HOW TO GROW SPIRAEA JAPONICA 'GOLDFLAME'

How to grow Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' - image credit http://www.gardeningimpulse.ie/

Formerly known as Spiraea x bumalda ‘Goldflame’, Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is a popular ornamental flowering and foliage plant of compact form with a mounded or spreading habit. The true species is a native to Japan, Southwest China, and Korea, and first named and described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741 – 1783). He is known botanically as Linnaeus filius (L.f.) to distinguish him from his famous father, the systematist Carl Linnaeus.

How to grow Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'

Spiraea japonica was introduced to western science in 1870, and entered cultivation in both Europe and North America the same year.

Under favourable condition you can expect Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' to reach a height of between 80-100 cm. The new foliage in the spring emerges with a burnished bronze-red flush, but turn a bright yellow, moving to a luminous green as they mature through the year. Clusters of dark pink flowers are formed in flattened corymbs 10-15 cm across, appearing from mid to late summer.

Plant Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' in a sunny position to achieve the best foliage colouration, although it will tolerate light shade. It will perform well in a wide range of soils, but is best planted in moist, well-drained conditions.

Pruning isn't really necessary but over time it can produce an irregular habit. If needed, prune in late winter to early spring.

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' received the Award of Garden Merit in 1984 from the Royal Horticultural Society, London.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW SPIRAEA ARGUTA 'BRIDAL WREATH'
HOW TO GROW SPIRAEA JAPONICA 'GOLDFLAME'
SPIRAEA JAPONICA 'GOLDFLAME'