Spiraea japonica Candlelight

The Spiraea japonica Candlelight is a variety of Japanese spirea that is particularly bright in spring, with abundant flowering in summer, and also stands out for its compact habit, perfectly suited for small spaces and terraces. Its young leaves are tinged with bronze and quickly turn golden yellow. In summer, its beautiful clusters of deep pink flowers contrast against chartreuse green foliage, which will be painted with vibrant tones in autumn. Compact and long-lasting, it is suitable for borders or low-growing beds. It also adapts well to container gardening.

The 'Candlelight' Japanese Spirea, from the rose family, is a cultivar derived from Spirea japonica (synonym Spiraea x bumalda or Spiraea callosa), native to eastern and central China and Japan. This plant has a relatively slow growth rate and will not exceed 60-70 cm (23.6-27.6 in) in all dimensions at maturity. Forming a dense and rounded shrub with upright branches, this variety has ever-changing foliage composed of small, oblong and toothed leaves. The flowers appear between June and August, grouped in medium-sized terminal clusters, in violet-pink hues. This extended flowering period, sometimes recurring in September, attracts numerous butterflies, bees, and bumblebees. The foliage is deciduous, turning reddish-orange in autumn before falling.

The Japanese Spirea adapts to all climates and soils, but dislikes clayey and compact soils, as well as excessively hot or dry conditions. With its low and bushy habit, 'Candlelight' is ideal for low hedges, as a framework for perennial beds, or in large borders. Combine Japanese Spirea with white, red, or purple ground cover roses, as well as small yellow or orange shrubby potentillas. It is perfect as ground cover in shrub beds along pathways, or even in rock gardens. You can place this spirea at the forefront of a countryside hedge, accompanied by other dwarf varieties (Spiraea betulifolia), dwarf red willow (Salix purpurea Nana), small willows (Salix lanata, Salix repens 'Nitida'), dwarf Manchurian lilac Miss Kim, or dwarf Weigela (Nana Purpurea). It will thrive in containers or planters on your terraces and balconies, in not too dry conditions.