Botanical Name: Spiraea japonica 'Froebelii'
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Common Name: Froebels Spirea  
Plant photo of: Spiraea japonica 'Froebelii'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Green, Purple

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

‘Froebelii’ is a somewhat compact spirea that typically grows to 3 to 4 feet tall with a slightly larger spread. Leaves emerge brownish-red in spring, change to blue-green as the growing season progresses and finally turn burgundy to wine red in fall. Small carmine red flowers in flat-topped clusters appear in June to July. This cultivar is synonymous with and formerly known as S. x bumalda ‘Froebelii’.
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Remove faded flower clusters as practicable (light shearing is an option) to encourage additional bloom. Flowers on new wood, so prune hard in late winter to early spring if needed (see Guides). ‘Froebelii’ is reported to have better heat and drought tolerance than most other S. japonica cultivars.