Anthony Waterer Spirea

Introduction

The summer flowering spireas have consistently helped provide beauty for the early summer display. Not only are these plants summer flowering they are also small of stature and fit nicely in the smaller landscape we use today. Anthony Waterer Spirea is one of the summer flowering spireas that bloom on new growth each summer. The flowers are pink to cherry-color and while small, are borne in a flat head up to four inches across. It is a deciduous member of the rose family that grows to about 30 inches in height and width. Leaves are willow-like and, in this selection, often variegated.

Spireas, such as Anthony Waterer make excellent plants for adding to the front of mixed borders that have a lot of evergreen plants. The twiggy deciduous form of the plant softens the stark green leaves of the evergreens in winter. In the summer the pink flowers add an interesting foil to the landscape.

Spireas are best suited to full sun conditions. They are not particular about soil type but, like most shrubs, grow faster and bloom more profusely in richer soil. Once established, they show excellent drought Tolerance. If pruning is needed, cut them back just before new growth begins in the spring.

Additional Characteristics

• Low maintenance
• Upright, broad, flat, compact shrub
• Dark green leaves, new growth is pink-tinged
• Medium to fine texture
• Rapid growth
• Adaptable to wide range of soils
• Very drought tolerant

Planting

• Typically planted in 1, 3, 5 gal containers.