Maintenance Landscaping Design

Spirea japonica goldflame is a dense, rounded shrub that typically matures to 6-8’ (less frequently to 10’) tall and as wide. It is noted for its attractive spring flowers, colorful fall foliage and excellent winter bud hardiness. ovate to obovate, toothed, medium green leaves (to 3” long) are arranged in opposite pairs along the arching stems. leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn. tiny, rose-pink flowers in dense, flat-topped corymbs (to 3” across) appear in late spring. flowers are followed by spherical, dry, brown seed capsules (each containing two seeds) which ripen in autumn.

Also called

• Japanese spirea
  
• Spirea japonica
  
• Goldflame spirea
  
• Flame spirea
  
• Spirea

Common Knowledge

• Spirea japonica 'Goldflame' is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-4’ tall with a slightly larger spread.
  
• It is noted for its ovate to elliptic bright green leaves and clusters of deep pink flowers that appear in early to mid-summer.
  
• Flowers give way to round, red-purple fruits that mature in late summer and persist into fall.
  
• Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers those that are moist and well-drained.
  
• Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
  
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this may result in excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
  
• Deer resistant.
  
• Susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  
• Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.
  
• ‘Goldflame’ is a cultivar that was introduced by Dr. Elisabeth Papenfuss of Germany in 195

Related plant:
Spirea Japonica Anthony Waterer

Planting Process

1. For spirea japonica goldflame, first step is to find a good location. Look for a spot that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-drained soil.
   
2. The next step is to prepare the planting area.Remove all the weeds and grass from the planting area.
   
3. You need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
4. Loosen the roots of the plant before placing it into the hole.
   
5. Fill the hole with soil, making sure to firm around the plant.
   
6. Water the plant well.
   
7. The next step is to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
   
8. The final step is to fertilize the plant. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.

Related plant:
Spirea Flower

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Spirea Japonica Goldflame need well-drained soil mix with garden soil, manure, and peat moss. This plant also prefer soil that is neutral to acidic. You should avoid to plant this shrub in wet or poorly drained areas.

Light condition

Similar to other Spirea Japonicas, the Goldflame requires full sun to partial sun in order to maintain its beautiful coloration. It should be placed in an area of the garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. If it does not get enough sun, the leaves will lose their vibrant color and the plant will become leggy.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for Goldflame Spirea are those that are cool and moist. The plant does not tolerate heat very well and will begin to wilt if the temperature gets too high. The best way to keep the plant healthy is to keep it in a location where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it can tolerate lower humidity levels. However, during the growing season, high humidity levels are necessary to prevent the leaves from drying out and becoming crisp. If the humidity levels are too low, the leaves will begin to drop off the plant.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, provides the essential nutrients that the spirea japonica goldflame needs for proper growth. The roots are the part of the plant that anchor it in the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Light requirement

Pruning your spirea japonica 'goldflame' is essential to promote its growth and keep it looking healthy. Prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back about one-third of the previous year's growth. This will encourage new growth and help to keep your plant from getting too leggy.

About Propagating

Propagation of spirea japonica 'goldflame' is best accomplished by rooting softwood cuttings taken in early to midsummer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that has not yet hardened off, and should be about 6 inches long. Cuttings can be rooted in a well-drained potting mix, or directly in the ground. Once the cuttings have been taken, dip them in rooting hormone and plant them in the potting mix or ground. Keep the potting mix or soil moist, but not wet, and in a few weeks the cuttings should have rooted and begun to grow.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and early summer. They will do best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The soil should be moist but well-drained and amended with compost prior to planting. After planting, water regularly and fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Spirea japonica goldflame are moderately drought tolerant once established. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove any winter damage.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These problems are caused by different fungi that attack the plant. Powdery mildew is the most common problem and is caused by the fungus, Erysiphe cichoracearum. Rust is caused by the fungus, Pucciniastrum americanum. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus, Phyllosticta minima. These problems can be controlled by using a fungicide that is specifically labeled for the type of fungus that is attacking the plant.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Goldflame spirea is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  
• Fertilize your plant twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer, with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Goldflame spirea is generally a disease- and pest-free plant, but watch out for aphids, scale, and spider mites.
  
• This plant does best in full sun to partial shade.
  
• Goldflame spirea is a fast-growing plant, so be prepared to give it plenty of room to spread out.
  
• This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but it

Related Plants

• Spirea miyabei
  
• Spirea fusca
  
• Spirea hypericifolia
  
• Spirea humilis
  
• Spirea douglasii
  
• Spirea arguta
  
• Spirea trilobata
  
• Spirea cunneata
  
• Spirea x beaujolais bonfire
  
• Spirea obtusa

Source:
Japanese Spirea (Spiraea japonica)-Hort Answers - University of ...
Spiraea japonica L. f. | Smithsonian Institution
Species: Spiraea japonica (or x bumalda) - Cornell University