SPIRAREA JAPONICA “DOUBLE PLAY” COL.RED (R-ROYALTY)

Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play’ Col. Red is a modern cultivar of the Japanese spirea, selected for its striking variegated foliage and vibrant blooms. It belongs to the Double Play series, a line of spireas known for their combination of rich colors and long flowering periods. This variety is notable for its bright red-purple leaves in spring and summer, which are the plant’s hallmark, before they turn a deeper, richer green in autumn.
The plant has a compact, rounded habit, typically reaching 60-90 cm in height and width, making it ideal for low borders, rock gardens, mixed beds or as a container plant. Its well-structured shape does not require frequent pruning, although light pruning after flowering can encourage denser, healthier growth.
The leaves of Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play’ Col. Red are the focal point of this variety, starting out bright red and turning purple in the summer, creating a dramatic contrast with the flowers. In the fall, the foliage takes on shades of red and orange, prolonging the plant’s decorative interest long after the flowering season has ended.
Flowering occurs in late spring or early summer, with clusters of small, deep pink flowers appearing in abundance. The flowers are fragrant and very attractive to bees and butterflies, also adding ecological value to the garden. The blooms, although brief, are dense and visible, forming a carpet of color that contrasts beautifully with the variegated foliage.
Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play’ Col. Red is a hardy and versatile plant. It prefers full sun, which accentuates the vivid color of the foliage and the flowering, but it also adapts to well-drained soil and partial shade. It is relatively drought tolerant once well established and does not require much care, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. It is also hardy and will withstand winter frosts well, maintaining good resistance even at low temperatures.
With its dynamic beauty, compact habit and attractive flowering, Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play’ Col. Red is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of colour and vitality to gardens, flowerbeds or pots. It is particularly suitable for creating lively borders, adding contrast to Mediterranean-themed gardens or for enhancing corners of the garden with a compact and colourful plant.