Japanese spirea Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer' (v)
ABOUT
The Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer', commonly known as Japanese spirea, is a deciduous shrub that displays an array of visual features throughout the year. In the spring and summer, it produces clusters of vibrant, small, pink flowers that form flat-topped clusters, bringing a pop of color to garden landscapes. These blossoms are attractive to butterflies and make the shrub a standout during the blooming season. The foliage of Japanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' is equally attractive, with leaves that are variegated and have a mix of colors, usually displaying a combination of green and cream with pinkish-purple hues. In the spring, the new growth may have a reddish tinge, while in the fall, the leaves can turn to shades of orange, red, or purple before dropping, adding an autumnal charm. Such foliage grows on stems that can appear upright or slightly arching, giving the shrub a rounded, dense appearance. The plant's overall form contributes to its versatility in the landscape, where it can serve as a focal point, part of a border, or as a component in foundation plantings without overwhelming surrounding plants. Japanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' is appreciated for both its flowers and foliage, making it a colorful and variable shrub that provides multi-seasonal interest in ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Spirea, Anthony Waterer Spirea, Anthony Waterer Japanese Spirea.
Common names
Spiraea bumalda 'Anthony Waterer', Spiraea japonica var. alpina Regel.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese meadowsweet is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and it is advisable to avoid ingestion and contact with skin and eyes. Ingesting any part of the plant is unlikely to cause severe poisoning, but symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea could occur if large quantities are consumed. Always exercise caution and keep plants out of the reach of young children who might inadvertently ingest plant parts.
To pets
Japanese meadowsweet is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not appear on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) list of toxic plants for dogs and cats. Therefore, it's not expected to cause serious harm if pets ingest small amounts. However, as with humans, ingestion of large quantities of any non-food plant can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in some pets. It is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet [60-90 cm]
Spread
3-4 feet [90-120 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its deep pink flowers and green foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blossoms attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Adaptability: Tolerates various soil types and can thrive in a wide range of climates.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest from spring to fall with changing foliage and flowering patterns.
- Erosion Control: Can be used to stabilize soil in sloped areas of the garden.
- Border Planting: Makes an excellent low hedge or border due to its compact and rounded growth habit.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden designs, from formal to cottage gardens.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Japanese spirea is often used to create colorful borders in gardens. Its compact size and attractive foliage make it a favorite choice for defining the edges of garden beds or walkways.
- It can serve as a groundcover plant, especially when planted en masse. The dense foliage and spreading habit of Japanese spirea help to suppress weeds and cover bare soil effectively.
- The plant is utilized in floral arrangements. The long-lasting and vividly colored blooms of Japanese spirea can be cut and included in both fresh and dried floral displays.
- Japanese spirea acts as a habitat plant for wildlife. The dense branches provide shelter for small animals and birds, and its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- It can be used as a natural dye. The flowers and leaves of Japanese spirea may be harvested to create natural dyes for fabric, though this is not a common practice.
- The plant is sometimes incorporated into bonsai gardens. With proper pruning and care, Japanese spirea can be trained into a miniature form suitable for the art of bonsai.
- Japanese spirea can be used for erosion control. Its root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion during heavy rains.
- The shrub is part of sensory gardens. Its textured leaves, colorful appearance, and the soft rustling sound made by its branches in the wind contribute to multi-sensory garden experiences.
- Japanese spirea can be used in theme gardens, such as fairy or cottage gardens, because of its whimsical appearance and ease of shaping through pruning.
- It is also used in butterfly gardens. Not only does Japanese spirea flowers attract butterflies, but the plant can also serve as a larval host for some species, providing a food source for caterpillars.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese spirea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese spirea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Spiraea japonica, commonly known as Japanese meadowsweet, can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the ability to adapt to different situations.
- Hardiness: As a hardy plant, Japanese meadowsweet represents resilience and the capacity to withstand challenges.
- Grace: With its delicate clusters of flowers, Japanese meadowsweet can symbolize gracefulness and beauty in its growth patterns and blooms.
- Joy: The bright pink flowers of the 'Anthony Waterer' cultivar are often associated with happiness and celebration, making it a symbol of joy and cheerfulness.
- New Beginnings: The plant's tendency to thrive and bloom each year makes it a metaphor for new beginnings and fresh starts.
WaterThe Japanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' prefers consistent moisture but is fairly drought-tolerant once established. During the first growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, applying about 1.5 gallons of water each time, to establish a deep, extensive root system. Reduce the frequency to every two to three weeks after the plant is established, adjusting for rainfall, with higher frequency during hot, dry spells. Make sure the soil drains well as the plant does not like to sit in soggy soil. Watering should be done at ground level to avoid wetting the foliage and potentially causing fungal diseases
LightJapanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' thrives best in full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter regions, but too much shade can result in fewer flowers and a less dense form. For optimal bloom production and foliage density, plant 'Anthony Waterer' in a spot with uninhibited access to sunlight
TemperatureJapanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' does well in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in zones 4 through 8, tolerating minimum temperatures around -30°F. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F to 75°F during the growing season. It is adaptable to summer heat as well, withstanding temperatures upwards of 90°F, although it's essential to ensure it receives adequate water in hotter conditions
PruningPruning the Japanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' is essential to maintain its shape, rejuvenate the plant, and encourage prolific blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or weakened wood and shaping the plant. Additionally, you can encourage a second bloom by lightly pruning the spent flowers immediately after the first flush of blooms in early summer. Do not prune in late fall or during active blooming
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. For the best soil mix, combine garden soil, peat moss, and coarse sand in equal parts to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Regular mulching will help maintain soil moisture and health.
RepottingJapanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' does not typically require repotting as it is generally grown as a shrub in the garden. Instead, rejuvenate the shrub through annual pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. If grown in a container, repotting may be necessary every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Spirea 'Anthony Waterer' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. It can grow well in the variable outdoor humidity levels commonly found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in large containers with ample light; prune regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade, moderate water.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer', commonly known as the Japanese meadowsweet, begins its life as a dormant seed which, once sown, germinates in the warmth of spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing into a young plant with a basic root system and foliage. As the shrub matures, it enters a vigorous growth phase where it expands in both height and width, with its branches giving rise to oval-shaped leaves and clusters of pink flowers during the late spring to early summer. After its blooming period, the plant sets seeds, which can be dispersed to produce new plants, though Spiraea japonica often propagates more effectively through cuttings or division. The shrub enters a period of dormancy in the winter months, where growth slows down or ceases, enabling it to conserve energy. With the arrival of the next growing season, the Japanese meadowsweet exits dormancy, resuming its growth cycle and preparing for another flowering phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Propogation: The Japanese spirea 'Anthony Waterer' is generally propagated by softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. This process takes place in the late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still soft. To propagate, one would cut a 4- to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem from the current year's growth. The cutting should have at least two sets of leaves near the top and be trimmed just below a node at the bottom. Removing the lower leaves and dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is below the soil surface. A plastic cover over the pot can help maintain humidity as the cutting begins to root, a process that usually takes a few weeks.
