Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Big Bang'
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Big Bang' is a vibrant deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant golden yellow new growth that matures to soft green and is topped with bright pink flower clusters in early to midsummer. Its bold foliage color and long lasting bloom make it a standout in sunny landscapes while maintaining a compact and easy care habit.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This spirea is a cultivated variety of a species native to Asia and is not native to North America. It is widely used in ornamental landscapes for its colorful foliage and reliable flowering performance.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts a variety of butterflies including Painted Ladies and skippers which visit the bright pink flower clusters for nectar.
Bees
- Draws in native bees and honeybees which forage across the dense blooms during its summer flowering period.
Birds
- Provides light cover and occasional foraging interest for small birds within garden plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow shrubs to fill in and create a dense colorful planting.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for foundation plantings, low hedges, and mixed borders where its vivid foliage and bright blooms provide long season interest.
Companion Plants
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Adds vertical structure that contrasts with the rounded shrub form.
- Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' (Panicle Hydrangea) - Offers larger blooms and seasonal contrast with soft green to white flowers.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Brings upright violet flower spikes that complement the pink blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Provides fine textured foliage and yellow flowers that contrast with the shrub’s tones.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (English Lavender) - Adds fragrant purple blooms and a contrasting mounded form in sunny conditions.