Overview & Description

The Anthony Waterer Spirea (Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’) is a classic, compact deciduous shrub prized for its vibrant, flat-topped clusters of rosy-pink to carmine-red flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, attracting butterflies. New spring foliage emerges with an attractive reddish-purple tint, maturing to blue-green or dark green, and finally turning reddish-purple to yellow in fall. The foliage may exhibit creamy white and pink variegation, adding interest even when not in bloom.

Growth & Size

This cultivar has a dense, mounded, and upright-spreading to rounded habit. It is a moderately fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 2 to 5 feet in height and 3 to 5 feet in width, making it ideal for the foreground of shrub borders.

Additional Notes

It blooms from late spring to late summer on new wood. Extremely hardy to zone 3, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of urban pollution and is rabbit and deer resistant. Prune in spring to shape and promote vigorous bloom. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage continued flowering. An excellent choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, borders, mass plantings, and urban gardens where reliable color and texture are desired.