Spiraea japonica Shirobana or Genpei

Spiraea japonica 'Shirobana', renamed by botanists Spiraea japonica 'Genpei', also known as Japanese Spirea or Spiraea x bumalda 'Genpei', is a small low-growing bush with light foliage and compact growth. The original and abundant flowering in tricoloured corymbs in a range of pink, white and red is renewed throughout the summer. It will be a major asset for shrub beds or terrace greenery. This adorable little bush surprises in autumn with the warm orange tones of its foliage. It is undemanding and will find its place in all gardens.

The 'Shirobana' Japanese Spirea belongs to the Rosaceae family and is derived from the Japanese Spirea, native to China and Japan. The growth of this bush is fast and its adult size will not exceed 80cm (31.5in) in all directions. The flowering begins in June, in the form of terminal corymbs, each small bouquet adorned with a different shade ranging from white to dark pink. This prolonged flowering, until the end of September or early October if the late season is favourable, attracts many insects and butterflies. Its light green foliage, consisting of small oblong and toothed leaves from spring to summer, takes on very warm coppery and orange hues in autumn.

Plant Japanese Spirea in any rich, moist to fresh, well-drained soil, preferably in full sun or partial shade. It will adapt to all climates and all soils, but it dislikes dense shade or scorching or too arid situations. Water well in the first year. Prune in February-March to 10 - 15cm (3.9 - 5.9in) from the ground: late winter pruning is essential for a beautiful flowering. Japanese Spirea are perpetual plants and to promote a second flowering, it is important to lightly prune the plant or remove faded flowers to encourage a late summer, early autumn rebloom. This plant blooms on the current year's growth. In order to maintain the plant's vigour, it is also important to remove old branches at the base in spring. Apply a complete fertilizer in March. Space the plants 60cm (23.6in) apart when planting.

Elegant, different and very decorative with its festival of varied shades, 'Shirobana' Spirea can be used in beds, as a standalone plant, in groups, as a border, in rock gardens, in pots or even as a low flowering hedge. You can place it at the front of a country hedge, accompanied by other dwarf spireas (Spiraea betulifolia, Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet'), Dwarf Red Osier (Salix purpurea 'Nana'), Dwarf Korean Lilac 'Miss Kim', or even Dwarf Weigelia ('Nana purpurea'), with shrubby Potentillas. This little spirea will bring a lot of life and cheerfulness to your terrace or balcony, in conditions that are not too arid.