Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer' is a compact deciduous shrub valued for its dense habit and rosy pink flower clusters that bloom throughout summer. New foliage emerges reddish bronze and matures to green providing multiseasonal interest.
Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; more frequent watering during prolonged dry periods
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Spiraea japonica, a species native to eastern Asia and widely used in ornamental landscapes across North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts Pearl Crescent and American Painted Lady butterflies with its flat flower clusters.
Bees
- Supports honeybees and sweat bees throughout its extended blooming period.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 4 ft apart for continuous coverage in mass plantings or informal hedges.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for borders, mixed foundation beds, or low maintenance mass plantings in full sun. Also effective in pollinator gardens and roadside edges.
Companion Plants
-
Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) - Adds softness and movement alongside compact shrubs.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Provides a long blooming haze of lavender blue among bright pink spirea clusters.
- Salvia nemorosa (Wood Sage) - Adds spiked purple flowers and complements Spiraea’s pink blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Offers airy yellow blooms and drought resistance in sunny borders.
- Allium 'Millenium' - Enhances color contrast and attracts additional pollinators.