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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Spiraea japonica ‘Minspil04’

Little Spark Japanese Spirea

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate to low

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)