Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'
Goldflame Japanese Spirea
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Width
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Flower color
- Flat topped clusters of rosy pink flowers with a soft vibrant tone
- Foliage color
- New growth bronze orange turning golden yellow then maturing to soft green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to midsummer with occasional rebloom
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate once established
- Maintenance
- Low; shear lightly after flowering to encourage rebloom and maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers and occasional bird interest
About this plant
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' produces flat-topped clusters of rosy pink flowers in late spring through summer, held just above the foliage in dense, rounded sprays. Oval leaves emerge coppery orange, maturing to golden yellow and then soft green, creating a layered effect of shifting color through the season. The foliage forms a dense, finely textured canopy that supports the flower clusters, which attract pollinators and provide a long-lasting display.
Originating from a species native to Japan, this cultivar reflects garden selection for vivid foliage color and extended bloom. It is well suited to borders, mass plantings, and foundation plantings, where its changing foliage tones and summer flowers contribute steady seasonal interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Cotoneaster · Bee balm · Smoke bush · Dianthus · California lilac
Design tip
Give ‘Goldflame’ breathing room for its foliage colors to register clearly rather than packing it tightly among other bright-leaved plants. The progression from coppery orange to gold and then green creates its own sequence of color, with rosy pink flowers adding another layer as summer arrives.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
