Spiraea japonica Double Play Artist

Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Arist' is a small bush that is round and compact, with young green shoots tinged with purple when they first emerge, turning bluish green in summer and then returning to green with a hint of purple in autumn. Summer flowering in large clusters of pure pink adds to the charm of this lovely little bush. It is not demanding and will fit into any garden. Its compact and rounded habit makes it suitable for borders or low flowerbeds, as well as for growing in pots or containers. It will adapt to any climate and soil, but it does not tolerate extremely hot or dry conditions.

The 'Double Play Artist' Japanese Spiraea belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivar derived from the Japanese Spiraea, which originates from China and Japan. This bush grows quickly and will reach a maximum size of 60 cm (24in) in all directions when fully grown. Forming a small bush with a rounded and compact habit, this variety has foliage that is green tinged with purple when it first emerges, turning bluish green in summer and then returning to a purple colour in autumn. The leaves are small, oblong, and toothed. The flowers appear in June-July and are grouped in terminal clusters (10 cm (4in)), large in relation to the size of the plant, ranging from intense pink to violet pink. This prolonged flowering period, which repeats in September, attracts numerous pollinating insects.

Plant the 'Double Play Artist' Spiraea in rich, moist to damp, well-drained soil, preferably in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. Water well in the first year. Prune in February-March to 10 - 15 cm (4 - 6in) from the ground: winter pruning is essential for obtaining beautiful flowering. Japanese Spireas are repeat flowering plants, so to encourage a second flush it is important to lightly prune the plant or deadhead faded flowers to promote a late summer or early autumn rebloom. This plant flowers on the current year's growth. To maintain the plant's vigour it is also important to remove old branches at the base in spring. Apply a complete fertiliser in March. Space plants 60 cm (24in) apart when planting.

With its bushy habit, this very hardy, erect, and compact bush is ideal for low hedges, for adding structure to a perennial flower bed, or in large borders. Combine Japanese Spiraea with white, pink, or mauve roses. It will be perfect as ground cover in shrub beds alongside pathways, or even in rock gardens. You can place it in the front row of a country-style hedge, accompanied by other dwarf spireas (Spiraea betulifolia), dwarf red osier (Salix purpurea nana), the dwarf Manchurian lilac 'Miss Kim', or even dwarf weigelia (Nana purpurea). It will also thrive in pots or containers on terraces and balconies, as long as the conditions are not too dry.