Japanese Spirea Spiraea japonica Golden Princess = 'Lisp'

Water

Japanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It's ideal to water the plant deeply about once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions; hot, dry spells may necessitate more frequent watering. Ensure that the soil is moist to a depth of several inches, which usually translates to about 1-2 gallons for an established plant each time you water. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to prevent root rot. It is important not to let the soil completely dry out, as this can cause stress to the plant.

Light

Japanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' thrives best in full sun to part shade. A location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for this plant to ensure vibrant foliage color and abundant flowering. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in the hotter part of the day or in regions with very intense sun.

Temperature

Japanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, typically from -20 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers a moderate climate and performs best when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Being cold hardy, it can endure winter chill, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below the minimum can cause damage to the plant.

Pruning

Prune Japanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new leaves emerge. It's beneficial to remove old, dead wood and thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation. Pruning can be done annually; however, if the plant is in a favorable environment and maintaining a good shape, it may require less frequent pruning.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Japanese spirea 'Golden Princess' thrives in well-draining loam or sandy loam soil enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix for this plant would consist of equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, is ideal for this cultivar's optimal growth.

Repotting

Japanese spirea 'Golden Princess' is typically grown outdoors and does not require regular repotting. In a garden setting, it may never need repotting. However, if grown in a large container, it might be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese spirea 'Golden Princess' is quite adaptable and generally does not require a strictly controlled humidity environment. It thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. Aim to simulate these conditions if the plant is grown in a controlled or indoor setting.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Bright light, occasional pruning, ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, moderate water.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Spiraea japonica Golden Princess, commonly known as Japanese Spirea 'Golden Princess', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late spring, given appropriate temperature and soil conditions. Once germinated, seedlings emerge and grow into young plants with vibrant golden to lime-green foliage. Over the next few years, these plants mature, developing woody stems and a dense, bushy habit, flowering in early to mid-summer with clusters of small pink blooms. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies, the flowers give way to small seed capsules that release seeds later in the season, perpetuating the next generation. During the fall, the leaves may acquire a reddish tinge before dropping as the plant enters dormancy over the winter months. The plant resumes growth from its crown and existing stems in the following spring, repeating its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Japanese spirea 'Golden Princess' is typically propagated by softwood cuttings, which is also the most popular method for this plant. This technique is best performed in late spring or early summer when new growth is just beginning to harden off. To successfully propagate the 'Golden Princess', take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length from healthy, disease-free branches. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to improve chances of success. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity levels. With proper care, roots will typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transferred to individual pots and eventually planted out in the garden.