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Spiraea japonica Double Play Red ('Smnsjmfr') (Double Play Series)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Japanese spiraea [Double Play Red]

Bushy, compact, deciduous shrub about 60cm tall, with sharply-toothed burgundy-purple spring leaves, becoming dark green in summer, reddish tinted in autumn. Produces bowl-shaped, red flowers in flattened heads during summer

Synonyms
Spiraea japonica 'Smnsjmfr'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Purple
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Spiraea are deciduous shrubs, sometimes suckering, with simple leaves and short racemes, panicles or corymbs of small, 5-petalled white or pink flowers in spring or summer

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Especially suitable for mixed borders and suited to container cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 6 for spiraea flowering on current years stems, deadhead after flowering. Keep neat and compact by cutting all stems back to within 30cm of ground level

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to Powdery mildews

Get involved

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