Japanese Spiraea Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'
ABOUT
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is known for its striking foliage and showy flowers. Commonly called Goldflame spirea or Japanese spirea, this plant showcases leaves that emerge a vivid reddish-orange in spring, mature to bright yellow in summer, and then blend into a yellow-green as they age. Its leaf shape is oblong with serrated edges, adding a fine texture to the foliage. During the blooming season, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, the plant is adorned with clusters of small pink flowers. These blossoms are bundled together in flat-topped clusters known as corymbs. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, bringing additional life and color to the garden. The Goldflame spirea's branches are gracefully arching, contributing to its overall pleasing form that is dense and rounded. As the seasons turn, some leaves may acquire orange to copper hues, adding a final burst of warmth before they fall off with the onset of cooler weather.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Spirea, Goldflame Spirea, Japanese Meadow Sweet
Common names
Spiraea bumalda 'Goldflame', Spiraea japonica var. alpina.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese meadowsweet (Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious side effects. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can exist, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not meant for consumption.
To pets
The Japanese meadowsweet (Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame') is typically regarded as non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widespread reports of serious illness related to the ingestion of this plant by pets. As with humans though, it's best to prevent your pets from eating ornamental plants due to the potential for individual reactions or gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Japan China Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Interest: Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' offers a changing palette of colors, from bronze-red in spring, to bright yellow-green in summer, followed by a rich, copper-orange in fall.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this shrub requires minimal care, adapting to a variety of conditions and tolerating occasional drought.
- Dense Growth: The shrub's dense, mounding growth habit makes it ideal for use in hedges, borders, and as a privacy screen.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant’s flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Hardy Plant: Capable of withstanding cold temperatures and less-than-ideal soil conditions, making it a reliable choice for many landscapes.
- Fast Growth: It is a fast-growing shrub, which can quickly fill in garden spaces or renew landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The vibrant foliage and flowers of the Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' are often used as a subject in painting and photography for their striking color contrasts.
- Education: This plant is used in botany classes to help students learn about plant identification and the characteristics of the Rosaceae family.
- Culinary decoration: While not edible, the colorful leaves can be used as a natural decoration on plates or serving trays for special occasions.
- Ecosystem support: The plant provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
- Bonsai: Some enthusiasts use Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' for bonsai due to its interesting foliage color and branching patterns.
- Crafting: Dried branches of Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' can be used in floral arrangements or wreath-making due to their sturdy structure and appealing colors.
- Garden design teaching tool: Landscape architecture instructors use this plant to teach garden design principles, showcasing how to use color and texture in a garden setting.
- Potpourri: The dried flowers and leaves of the Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' can be included in potpourri mixtures for their color and subtle fragrance.
- Seasonal celebrations: Branches of the plant, with their autumn colors, are sometimes used as decorations during fall festivals or events.
- Wildlife shelter: The dense growing habit of Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' provides shelter for small birds and insects within their garden habitats.
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- Transformation: With leaves that change color from bronze-red in spring, to yellow-green in summer, and then copper-orange in fall, the 'Goldflame' Spirea exemplifies changes and the beauty inherent in transformation.
- Energy and Vitality: The vibrant colors of its foliage and pink flowers give the 'Goldflame' Spirea a symbolic representation of liveliness and dynamic energy.
- New Beginnings: As it is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring, 'Goldflame' Spirea can symbolize new starts or renewal.
- Joy and Celebration: The bright, showy clusters of pink flowers can denote happiness, festivities, and reasons to celebrate.
- Adaptability: It's an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in various conditions, making it a symbol of adaptability and resilience.
WaterJapanese Spirea ‘Goldflame’ should be watered deeply and regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency, but continue to water thoroughly as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. During the growing season, this may mean watering every week or more often during periods of drought. It's best to apply 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard of soil around the plant, ensuring that it reaches the roots without oversaturating the soil.
LightJapanese Spirea ‘Goldflame’ thrives in full sun to part shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. An ideal spot would be one where it can enjoy morning sunlight and some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, although it is adaptable to different lighting conditions.
TemperatureJapanese Spirea ‘Goldflame’ is hardy and adapts well to a wide range of temperature conditions, flourishing in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The ideal growing temperature for Japanese Spirea is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Japanese Spirea ‘Goldflame’ helps maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new leaves emerge. Remove dead or weak canes, and thin out old wood to promote air circulation. Pruning can be done yearly, and more extensive pruning should be done every few years to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is after the plant has bloomed if you are seeking to shape the shrub or maintain a particular size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Spiraea 'Goldflame' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss or compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite will create an ideal growing medium for this adaptable shrub.
RepottingThe Japanese Spiraea 'Goldflame' does not typically require frequent repotting and can be replanted every few years as needed or when it outgrows its current space.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Spiraea 'Goldflame' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor humidity conditions, without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; needs sun, can grow in containers.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, enrich soil, mulch, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleJapanese meadowsweet 'Goldflame' starts its life cycle as a dormant seed, which upon conditions favorable for germination, typically in spring, begins to sprout. The seedling then develops into a young plant with characteristic bronze-red leaves which turn bright yellow and then green as it matures. During spring and early summer, mature plants produce clusters of small, pink flowers that attract various pollinators, after which the flowers may develop into small, dry capsules containing seeds. As the plant ages through the summer, the leaves can turn to a coppery or russet hue before they drop off in the fall if the plant is located in a region with seasonal changes. Throughout its life, Japanese meadowsweet 'Goldflame' will undergo periods of growth and dormancy, typically with a dormant period during the cold winter months. The plant can live for many years, growing larger each year, and can be propagated through division or cuttings to produce new plants that will follow the same life cycle stages.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Japanese spirea 'Goldflame' is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically done in late spring to early summer when new growth is still green and flexible. To propagate, healthy non-flowering shoots are selected and cut into lengths of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. Then, the cuttings are planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain humidity. Roots usually start forming within a few weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being transplanted.
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