Little Spark® Spirea

Spiraea jap. 'Minspil04' PP30,819

First Editions®

Vibrant Lime-Green Foliage Transforms to Fiery Red in Fall on this Compact Spirea
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Pink Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies

$79⁴²

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Plant Size

#3 Container 1-2 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Ensure this spirea gets at least 6 hours of direct sun daily to maintain its vibrant yellow-green foliage and maximize pink blooms. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shadow causes the leaves to turn a generic green and results in leggy, sparse growth.
Soil: This plant adapts well to most average garden soils, including clay, as long as the drainage is good. If you are dealing with heavy soil, amend it with organic matter to prevent water from pooling around the roots.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help the root system establish itself. Once rooted, this spirea is moderately drought tolerant, though you should water during extreme heat waves to prevent the colorful foliage from scorching or browning at the edges.

Pruning Tips

Because Little Spark® blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. You can shear the plant back by about one-third to remove any winter damage and encourage a flush of fresh, bright foliage and plenty of flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as green leaves start to appear. Avoid fertilizing late in the summer, as this encourages tender new growth that may not harden off in time for winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Spiraea jap. 'Minspil04' PP30,819
Species	jap.
Cultivar	Minspil04
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

First Editions® Little Spark® Spirea Bush

The First Editions® Little Spark® Spirea PP#30,819 (Spiraea jap. 'Minspil04') is a dazzling flowering shrub that brings an electrifying pop of orange new growth, gold summer foliage, and red fall foliage to the garden! In late spring to early summer, it erupts with clusters of fizzy-looking, soft pink blooms that attract pollinators, adding charm and life to your landscape.

This dwarf Spirea boasts compact growth, reaching just 18-24 inches tall and slightly wider, making it ideal for small spaces, borders, and containers! As the seasons change, its foliage transforms from a golden-orange glow in spring to a rich golden yellow in summer, finishing the year with fiery red-orange hues in fall.

With its rounded form and small, serrated leaves, Little Spark® Spirea offers vibrant contrast and texture in any garden. Unlike larger Spirea varieties, this little firecracker maintains a tidy, mounded shape without excessive pruning!

Key Features

Dwarf, compact Spirea – only 18-24 inches tall and 18-30 inches wide
Seasonal foliage color changes – orange new growth, golden in summer, fiery red-orange in fall
Clusters of pollinator-friendly soft pink flowers bloom in late spring to early summer
Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant, thriving in USDA zones 3-8
Deer-resistant and low-maintenance
Ideal for borders, mass plantings, containers, and foundation plantings

Landscaping Uses

Whether planted as a low hedge, foundation accent, or a bright pop of color in a mixed bed, Little Spark® Spirea is sure to ignite interest in your garden all season long! This compact shrub offers a bright splash of color in any garden setting, staying small and neat while providing multi-season interest.

Plant as a low-maintenance foundation shrub near homes and walkways
Create a mass planting or border hedge for vibrant seasonal color
Use in containers for patios and small-space gardens
Accent rock gardens, mixed beds, or cottage-style landscapes
Pair with evergreens for contrast and year-round interest

Care and Maintenance

This deciduous Spirea is easy to grow! It thrives in full sun and is exceptionally hardy, tolerating heat, cold, and urban conditions with ease. Resistant to deer and requiring minimal maintenance, this shrub is a perfect choice for gardeners seeking effortless beauty!

Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, this adaptable Spirea withstands freezing temperatures and still puts on a dazzling show year after year. It thrives in well-drained soil, handling both clay and sandy conditions.

Planting Time: Spring or fall for the best root establishment
Sun Needs: Full sun for optimal foliage color and bloom production
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils
Moisture Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of bark or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilization Needs: Light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring
Pruning Info: Blooms on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage fresh growth
Renewal Pruning: Every 3-5 years, cut back old stems to maintain vigor
Special Perks:
- Deer-resistant
- Urban pollution-tolerant
- Cold-hardy

A Spark of Joy For Your Garden!

The First Editions® Little Spark® Spirea is a fiery delight that brings low-maintenance beauty to any garden. Its vibrant foliage, soft pink blooms, and compact size make it an easy choice for brightening up any space. Whether you need a border, a container plant, or a reliable splash of color, this shrub delivers. Order yours today from Nature Hills Nursery, and we’ll ship it at the perfect planting time for your zone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Little Spark® Spirea grow well in full sun or does it need shade?

Little Spark® Spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun producing the most vibrant foliage colors and abundant blooms. This hardy shrub tolerates various light conditions across USDA zones 3-8. For best color display, plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How do I prune Little Spark® Spirea to encourage reblooming?

Deadhead spent pink flower clusters immediately after the late spring bloom to encourage a second flush. Little Spark® maintains its tidy 18-24 inch mounded shape naturally with minimal pruning needed. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance rebloomer.

Is Little Spark® Spirea deer-resistant?

Yes, Little Spark® Spirea is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. This compact shrub maintains its tidy 18-24 inch form without needing protective barriers. Plant it confidently in open areas or along property edges.

What are the care requirements for watering Little Spark® Spirea?

Little Spark® Spirea needs regular watering during its first growing season to establish roots, then becomes quite drought tolerant. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in zones 3-8 with average moisture. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot summer months.

Will Little Spark® Spirea thrive in containers or pots?

Little Spark® Spirea excels in containers with its compact 18-24 inch size and tidy growth habit. This dwarf variety stays naturally neat without excessive pruning, making it perfect for patios and small-space gardens in zones 3-8. Shop at Nature Hills for container gardening success.

What is the fall foliage color of Little Spark® Spirea?

Little Spark® Spirea displays fiery red-orange fall foliage that creates a stunning seasonal finale. The foliage transitions from golden summer color to these vibrant autumn hues. Plant where you can enjoy this colorful show from indoors during fall months.

When is the best time to plant Little Spark® Spirea?

Plant Little Spark® Spirea in early spring after the last frost or in fall, 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. This hardy shrub thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and establishes best with cooler temperatures. Spring planting allows full growing season establishment before winter.

Little Spark® Spirea

Spiraea jap. 'Minspil04' PP30,819