Goldflame spirea is a native shrub of China or Japan. It is found in landscapes in USDA zones 4 through 8. This shrub is a nice addition to any yard for a number of reasons. In the summer small pink flowers amongst the red leaves. When the flowers fade, the leaves change to yellow-green. In the fall, the leaves turn orange for their final splash of color before they drop. Goldflame spirea is a low growing deciduous shrub that attains a height of 2 to 3 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet.
Choose the Right Location
Goldflame spirea prefers to grow in an area that receives full sun exposure. Pull any weeds that grow in the area. Weeds will remove nutrients and moisture that the Goldflame spirea needs to grow. To help keep the weeds under control, lay 2 inches of organic mulch under the shrub. Leave two inches of separation from where the mulch begins and the base of the plant. If you place the mulch against the stems, the shrub becomes more susceptible to disease or insect damaging the bark. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture.
Water the Goldflame spirea Shrub
During the first two seasons of the Goldflame spirea life, keep the soil evenly moist. Every week, give them an inch of water. On the third year of growing, the shrub is established and you can cut back on watering. The shrub will only need moisture if your area is going through an extended drought.
Fertilize the Goldflame spirea
In the spring, your Goldflame spirea will need food. Provide an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer of 5-5-5. Only one application of fertilizer is recommended. If you fertilize in the fall, it may cause the shrub to set on new growth. This will result in damaging your shrub during the winter.
Check for Aphids
You will want to inspect the shrub for aphids. The aphids come in different colors such as green, yellow, brown, red or black. Aphids are very small and are just visible to the unaided eye. One of the signs that your shrub has these pests is if the leaves become curled, distorted, stunted or yellow.
To control these pests, spray the shrub with insecticidal soap. You may need more than one application to keep the shrub aphid free. Always read and follow label directions for application procedures.
Pruning
Every other year in the spring, prune the Goldflame spirea. Cut the branches back by a third. Remove any dead or diseased branches that may appear throughout the growing season.
Sources:
“Timber Press Guide to Gardening in the Pacific Northwest”; Carol W. Hall, Norman E. Hall; 2008
“American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants”; Christopher Brickell; 2004