Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Spiraea japonica ‘Minspil04’
Little Spark Japanese Spirea
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 18 to 24 inches
- Width
- 18 to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Bright pink
- Foliage color
- Bright yellow in spring, maturing to chartreuse in summer, and turning orange-red in fall
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate to low
- Maintenance
- Low
- Wildlife
- Butterflies, bees
About this plant
Spiraea japonica 'Minspil04', commonly known as Little Spark Spiraea, is a compact, deciduous shrub ideal for small gardens, borders, and container planting. Renowned for its vibrant foliage, it emerges bright yellow in spring, matures to chartreuse, and transforms into striking shades of orange and red in fall. The ovate leaves with finely serrated edges add to its appeal. In late spring to early summer, it produces a profusion of bright pink flowers in flat-topped corymbs, attracting butterflies and bees.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Little Spark® Spirea adds multi-season interest and pairs well with other plants, making it a versatile choice for enhancing garden biodiversity and beauty. Its naturally tidy, mounded habit provides lasting structure and color without overwhelming neighboring plants.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Avens · Strawberry tree · Betony · Blue grama grass · Thyme · Butterfly bush
Design tip
Use Little Spark where a low planting needs color for more than a single season. Golden spring growth, chartreuse summer foliage, pink flowers, and orange-red fall color allow this compact shrub to carry visual interest through several successive phases without taking up much garden space.
