Spiraea prunifolia Goldfire

The Spiraea prunifolia Goldfire ('Golden Bar') is a selection of Prunus-leaved Spirea with particularly bright golden foliage, just as resistant as the species. Shining under its golden coat, this unfairly unknown bush should easily find its way into gardens thanks to its qualities. It offers early spring flowering, covering its bare branches with a multitude of white flowers, as well as a flamboyant autumn foliage. Remarkably easy to grow, it is not afraid of cold, drought, or mediocre soils. White spireas are among the best garden plants, and this one is no exception. Plant it in large shrub borders or in a small hedge, in all areas.

The Spiraea prunifolia Goldfire belongs to the Rosaceae family. The species is a deciduous bush with slight suckering native to China, Korea, and Japan. In the wild, it is found in thickets, on rocky slopes or steep cliffs, as well as in various dry and sunny habitats, up to 1500 m (4921ft) altitude. Very accommodating, the only thing this spirea does not tolerate is excessive limestone in the soil. The Goldfire variety was recently selected in South Korea. It is a bushy, flexible shrub, supported by long, thin, upright, and slightly arched branches. It grows rapidly, reaching an average of 1.70 m (6ft) in all directions within 3 to 4 years. The abundant flowering usually takes place in April-May, sometimes as early as March in mild climates. The tiny, single white flowers, 1 cm (1in) in size, grouped in small umbels, appear along the previous year's branches. The Prunifolia Spirea develops its foliage after flowering. Golden until summer, it often turns beautiful red and orange colours in autumn before falling. The small leaves are ovate and pointed at their tips, measuring from 2 to 3 cm (1in). They are arranged alternately on the branches. This spirea produces suckers at the periphery of its base: they can be removed to limit its spread, but also replanted elsewhere or offered to a gardening friend.

Hardy, undemanding, requiring very little maintenance, this lovely Goldfire spirea will adapt to all climates. It can be used in borders, as a standalone plant, in groups, and in small flowering hedges. To create a small, light spring flower bed, it can be paired with Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow, Prunus triloba multiplex, Prunus x cistena, Japanese quince, Ribes sanguineum, and white, pink, orange, or even red Cytisus x praecox, which are also sturdy and frugal plants. In a small garden, this poetic shrub has a stylish appearance when planted in groups of 3 as a standalone shrub in the corner of a lawn.