Spiraea japonica Neon Flash

Spiraea japonica 'Neon Flash' is a variety of Japanese spiraea of medium size, with changing foliage, adorned with pretty bright pink flowering in summer, reblooming in autumn. Its young shoots, tinged with purple when they open, turn green in summer under large corymbs of deep pink, and then take on beautiful autumnal shades of coppery red to burgundy. Compact and vivacious, this bush has its place in small gardens as well as in larger spaces, in borders or low beds. It also adapts well to container cultivation.

The Japanese Spiraea 'Neon Flash' is a member of the large and important Rosaceae family, which provides us with so many ornamental species (roses of course, but also Photinia, Cotoneaster, Amelanchier) as well as most of our temperate climate fruit trees (pear, apple, cherry, peach, apricot and plum). This bush is a cultivar derived from Spiraea japonica (synonym Spiraea x bumalda or Spiraea callosa), native to eastern and central China as well as Japan. The growth of Neon Flash is quite fast and its adult size will be about 1 to 1.20 m (3 to 4 feet) in all directions. Forming a small bush with a rounded and compact habit, this variety has colourful foliage in changing hues, consisting of small oblong and dentate leaves. Fairly dark green in summer, this foliage turns purple in spring with the emergence of new shoots, and again turns purple to burgundy in autumn. The flowers appear in June-July and then rebloom in waves until September. They are grouped in terminal corymbs of a beautiful deep and vivid pink, hence its name 'Neon Flash'. It is in some way an improvement on the famous 'Anthony Waterer', a star of the 80s. This extended flowering attracts numerous butterflies, bees, and bumblebees.

Japanese Spiraea adapts to all climates and soils, but dislikes scorching sun or overly arid situations. Very hardy, it can withstand temperatures of -25 to -30 °C without flinching in well-drained soil.

With its bushy habit, 'Neon Flash' spiraea is ideal as a low hedge, to form the framework of a perennial bed, mixed with other shrubs, or in large borders. For a carefree look, combine it with other easy plants like Weigelas or Potentillas that will provide you with months of abundant flowers. For a stunning colour contrast over several months, plant Nepeta faassenii Cat's Pajamas at its base, a very floriferous catmint that is covered in indigo blue flowers. If you prefer softer combinations, pair it with Hibiscus syriacus Totus Albus, a Hibiscus with large double pure white flowers in summer.