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Little Princess Spirea

Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'

  • Compact Dwarf Form Reaches Just 2-3 Feet, Perfect for Small Spaces and Foundation Plantings
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 2-4 ft Tall and Wide
  • Showy Pink Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
  • Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Regular price $2331
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: For the brightest pink flowers and the best fall foliage color, plant your Little Princess Spirea in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. While she can handle partial shade, you will likely see fewer blooms and the plant may lose its tight, mounded shape.
  • Soil: This shrub thrives in well drained soil that is rich in organic matter, though it is quite adaptable to various types. If you have heavy clay that stays soggy, mix in some compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Spirea twice a week to help the root system get established in its new home. Once mature, these plants are remarkably drought tolerant and only need supplemental water during extended dry spells or extreme heat. If the soil stays too dry for too long, you might notice smaller blooms or the leaves may begin to crisp at the edges.

Pruning Tips

Little Princess Spirea blooms on "new wood," which is the growth that happens in the current spring. The best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before new leaves appear; simply shear the whole plant back by about a third to maintain a neat, rounded shape. Think of this like a refreshing haircut that encourages a flush of vigorous new stems and a much heavier set of flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring just as the new growth starts to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is easily damaged by freezing temperatures, which can stress the entire plant during winter dormancy.

Delivery and Shipping

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Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
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Description

Elegant and colorful blooms on a pretty little shrub, the Little Princess Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess') is a highly ornamental flowering shrub that is fuss-free for any yard or garden! Profuse pink flowers in small corymbs cover the arching stems of this plant in late spring. Flowers and leaves all appear on the same side of the arching branches. Finely textured foliage appears and fills out the entire shrub all growing season!

Butterflies adore the flowers! And Little Princess Spirea has those in profusion! The foamy and fizzy-looking bright pink blossoms appear in clusters of tiny smaller blooms. These are gorgeous accent shrubs that are adaptable, hardy and exquisite!

This Little Princess Spirea cultivar is a dense, upright, compact, mounded deciduous shrub that has narrow, dark blue-green foliage. Featuring yellow fall color and thick branching to stand up to winter snows, Spirea are tough little plants!

Planting and Application:

These small and tidy shrubs absolutely smother these plants for a long time and are fantastic ornamentals! Use as low hedges and borders, landscape edging and foundation plants that are so rugged, that even commercial landscapers use them quite often in their landscaping.

So it is a beautiful plant throughout the entire growing season! Add to pollinator gardens and cottage borders for color that you won't have to fuss over! Easy-care as well, Spirea only needs trimming once a year and some fertilizer to keep them happy.

  • Profuse Pink Blooms
  • Blue Green Leaves
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Small-Sized Deciduous Shrubs
  • Yellow Fall Color

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The Little Princess Spirea is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils and should be pruned in late winter to early spring. Little Princess Spirea has no serious insect or disease problems and is effective in borders, cottage gardens, foundation plantings, or hedges.

  • Full Sun
  • Moderate Growth Rate 2-4 Feet at Maturity
  • Mulch Site Well
  • Prune After Flowering
  • USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9

With so many traits all wrapped up in one low-maintenance beauty, it's no wonder she's named 'Little Princess'! Order your own great landscaping plants today from NatureHills.com before these sell out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Little Princess Spirea grow well in zone 9 or colder climates like zone 4?

  • Little Princess Spirea thrives in zones 3-8, making it excellent for both zone 4 and zone 9 climates. This hardy shrub tolerates winter snows with its thick branching and adapts to a wide range of conditions. Plant in well-drained soil and prune in late winter for best results.

How much water does Little Princess Spirea need, and is it drought tolerant once established?

  • Little Princess Spirea thrives in average, medium-wet, well-drained soil and develops good drought tolerance once established. This hardy 2-4 foot shrub adapts to various soil conditions with minimal fussing. Water regularly the first year, then reduce frequency as roots develop. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance beauty.

What type of soil does Little Princess Spirea prefer, and does it tolerate clay or poor soils?

  • Little Princess Spirea thrives in average, medium-wet, well-drained soil but tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay and poor soils. This adaptable shrub performs well in full sun to part shade. For best results, ensure adequate drainage and avoid waterlogged conditions.

When and how should I prune Little Princess Spirea to keep it compact and promote blooming?

  • Prune Little Princess Spirea in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to maintain the 2-4 foot compact size and encourage vigorous blooming. Remove any dead or crossing branches at the same time.

Is Little Princess Spirea low-maintenance, and what are its pest or disease issues?

  • Little Princess Spirea is exceptionally low-maintenance with no serious pest or disease problems. This compact 2-4 foot shrub needs only annual pruning in late winter and occasional fertilizer. Simply plant in well-draining soil and enjoy years of carefree pink blooms - available at naturehills.com.

Can Little Princess Spirea be planted in containers or as a foundation shrub?

  • Little Princess Spirea works excellently as both a container plant and foundation shrub due to its compact 2-4 foot size and dense growth habit. Its rugged nature and tolerance for various soil conditions make it ideal for foundation plantings. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to part shade for best results.

How long does it take for Little Princess Spirea to reach maturity, and what is its growth rate?

  • Little Princess Spirea has a moderate growth rate and reaches its mature height of 2-4 feet in approximately 3-5 years. This compact shrub fills out nicely during its first growing season with dense branching. Plant in full sun to part shade for best results, and prune annually in late winter to maintain its tidy shape.

Is there a warranty or guarantee if my Little Princess Spirea arrives damaged or dies?

  • Little Princess Spirea is remarkably hardy and rarely suffers damage due to its tough nature and ability to withstand winter snows. This 2-4 foot deciduous shrub has no serious pest or disease issues when planted in well-drained soil. Contact your nursery immediately if plants arrive damaged for replacement options.

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