My spirea has green foliage instead of the orange-yellow new growth I expected. What happened?

The orange-yellow new foliage on 'Goldflame' and similar cultivars is most vivid on young spring growth in full sun. Per University of Minnesota Extension, "the spring color show on ornamental-leaf spireas fades as foliage matures and is much less vivid in shade." If the plant is in adequate sun and still showing minimal color, it may have reverted to its plain green parent — remove any entirely green-leaved shoots at their base to maintain the ornamental form.

Why won't my spirea bloom?

Almost certainly a pruning timing problem. Per Clemson HGIC, "spring-blooming spireas that don't flower have almost always been pruned in fall or late winter, removing the flower buds." Japanese spirea that doesn't bloom may be shaded or under-fertilized; it is more forgiving of pruning timing.

Japanese spirea (S. japonica) is listed as invasive in several eastern U.S. states. Per Penn State Extension, "deadheading all flowers before seed set and choosing sterile or low-fertility cultivars reduces the risk of spread." Bridal wreath spirea is not typically invasive. Check your state's current invasive species list before planting Japanese spirea.

How do I rejuvenate an overgrown spirea?

For Japanese spirea, cut the entire plant to 6 inches in late winter — it will regrow completely in one season. For bridal wreath, use the annual third-removal renewal method described under Pruning — it takes 3 years but maintains bloom continuity. Per University of Minnesota Extension, "bridal wreath cut to the ground in late winter will regrow and look acceptable within 1–2 years but will not bloom that first summer after cutting."

Home/Plants/Spirea Care: Spring and Summer Blooming Cultivars

Species guide

Spirea Care: Spring and Summer Blooming Cultivars

Spring-blooming and summer-blooming Spiraea cultivars have very different pruning windows — cutting at the wrong time removes either the flower buds or the new growth that carries them, and the two groups are easy to confuse at the garden center.

By Thomas Joseph Published 2026-06-11 Updated 2026-06-13 Reviewed by Thomas Joseph 7 min read

White bridal wreath spirea in full bloom with cascading flower clusters along arching stems — Photo: Unsplash

Spirea types: spring versus summer bloomers

Two distinct groups of spireas grow in North American landscapes, and the care difference between them is almost entirely about pruning timing.

Spring-blooming spireas

The classic bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia and S. × vanhouttei) produce white flowers on arching branches in April–May. These bloom on old wood — flower buds were set on last season's stems. Per University of Minnesota Extension, "spring-blooming spireas must be pruned immediately after flowering in spring — pruning at any other time removes the next year's flower buds." Plants can grow 5–7 feet tall with cascading arching stems.

Summer-blooming spireas

Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica) and its many cultivars — 'Anthony Waterer' (pink, 3–4 feet), 'Goldflame' (pink flowers, yellow-orange new foliage, 3–4 feet), 'Little Princess' (pink, 2–3 feet compact), 'Magic Carpet' (pink, 18–24 inches dwarf). These bloom on new wood from late June through August. Per Clemson HGIC, summer-blooming spireas "can be pruned in late winter or early spring without sacrificing flowers because they bloom on the current season's growth." Hard annual pruning keeps them compact and vigorous.

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Spirea Care: Spring and Summer Blooming Cultivars

Spirea types: spring versus summer bloomers

Spring-blooming spireas

Summer-blooming spireas