Japanese Spirea Spiraea japonica 'White Gold' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Japanese Spiraea 'White Gold', known for its striking appearance, features bright yellow foliage that stands out in gardens and landscape designs. The leaves of this plant retain their vibrant color throughout the growing season, providing a sunny splash of color to its surroundings. When in bloom, the Japanese Spiraea 'White Gold' showcases clusters of small, white flowers that create a beautiful contrast against the yellow leaves. These blossoms generally appear in the late spring to early summer and can attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. The overall form of the Japanese Spiraea 'White Gold' tends to be dense and bushy, presenting a mounded shape that can be used effectively in borders or as an ornamental feature. The branches may arch slightly, which adds to the visual interest of the shrub, especially when laden with the weight of its abundant flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet, Maybush
Common names
Spiraea japonica 'White Gold' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese meadowsweet is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized toxicity from ingesting this plant, and it does not commonly cause poisoning or adverse effects if consumed in small quantities.
To pets
Japanese meadowsweet is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered a non-poisonous plant and should not cause symptoms of poisoning if pets happen to ingest small amounts of the plant. However, consuming large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, like any non-food item might when eaten in excess.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Yellow-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Spiraea japonica 'White Gold' provides visual interest with its vibrant golden foliage and clusters of dainty white flowers.
- Low Maintenance: This shrub is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and is relatively pest-free.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes.
- Nature-Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers multi-season interest from spring through fall with changing foliage colors and flowering periods.
- Adaptability: It can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Compact Size: Generally remains small to medium in size, which is ideal for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Fast Growth: It is a fast-growing species, allowing gardeners to quickly establish a mature garden look.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not particularly appealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from wildlife.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion on slopes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Calligraphy Ink: The dark-colored branches can be boiled to create a natural ink used for traditional East Asian calligraphy.
- Photography Subject: With its striking foliage, White Gold is often used by photographers as a subject for nature photography and to practice macro photography techniques.
- Craft Materials: The branches can be dried and used in various crafts, such as making miniature trees for model landscapes or wreaths.
- Educational Resource: Educators can use the plant to teach students about plant propagation techniques like cuttings or division.
- Seasonal Decorations: White Gold's contrasting foliage provides a unique option for live decorations during the fall and winter seasons.
- Dye Production: The leaves and flowers may be used to produce a variety of natural dyes for fabrics and yarns.
- Floral Arrangements: The blooms and foliage can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements for events and home decor.
- Theater and Film: The plant can be used in set design for theater productions and film to create an authentic looking natural background or setting.
- Ecology Education: White Gold can be used to demonstrate the role of native and ornamental plants in garden ecology and pollinator attraction.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant's contrasting foliage and blooms provide a unique visual inspiration for artists working in mediums such as painting, illustration, or digital art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiJapanese spirea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJapanese spirea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'White Gold' variety of Japanese spirea features white flowers, which commonly symbolize purity and innocence.
- Grace: Japanese spirea has a graceful, fountain-like growth pattern, often associated with elegance and beauty.
- Renewal: As a deciduous shrub that blooms in spring and summer, Japanese spirea represents the idea of renewal and the circle of life.
- Transformation: With its leaves that change color throughout the seasons, Japanese spirea can symbolize change and transformation.
- Adaptability: Because Spiraea japonica is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in different conditions, it can represent adaptability and resilience.
WaterJapanese meadowsweet 'White Gold' prefers consistent moisture, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water it deeply at least once a week, applying about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot, and avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.
LightJapanese meadowsweet 'White Gold' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would be one that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat stress.
TemperatureJapanese meadowsweet 'White Gold' is hardy and adapts to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, maintain a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Japanese meadowsweet 'White Gold' to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new leaves emerge. Cut back about one-third of the old stems to the ground to promote new growth and a more compact form. Removing spent flowers after blooming may also encourage repeat flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Spirea 'White Gold' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite would create an ideal growing medium. It is tolerant of various soil types as long as they are well-draining.
RepottingJapanese Spirea 'White Gold’ does not require frequent repotting and is typically repotted every few years as it is a garden shrub. In a garden setting, instead of repotting, it may require transplanting to a bigger area as it grows.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Spirea 'White Gold' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions, as it is generally very hardy and can thrive in the variable outdoor climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; needs full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; mulch and water deeply.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSpiraea japonica 'White Gold', commonly known as Japanese spirea, begins its life as a seed, which after experiencing a stratification period to simulate winter, will germinate in the warmth of spring. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling, characterized by the emergence of its first leaves which are critical for photosynthesis. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it produces a profusion of foliage, and its stems elongate. In this species, the vegetative stage overlaps with the reproductive stage, where the plant produces clusters of white flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers will develop into dry fruits that release seeds, facilitating the spread of the plant and the continuation of the species. Finally, the plant will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, dropping leaves in the case of deciduous varieties like the Japanese spirea.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Japanese meadowsweet 'White Gold' is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. Gardeners cut a 4 to 6-inch length (about 10 to 15 centimeters) from the tip of a healthy stem, ensuring that there are several leaf nodes on the cutting. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
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