Overview
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is a bushy, suckering shrub in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, hedging and mass planting. It is native to Japan.
About
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is a cultivar of Spiraea, a genus of shrubs in the Rosaceae family known as meadowsweets or steeplebushes. This shrub grows to about 1.5 metres tall and thrives in full sun. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay types. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is well suited to temperate climates and offers reliable garden performance.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spiraea japonica
About the genus
Spiraea, sometimes spelled spirea in common names, and commonly known as meadowsweets or steeplebushes, is a genus of about 80 to 100 species of shrubs in the family Rosaceae. They are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Spiraea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spiraea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spiraea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, hedging, mass planting
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'
- Cultivation
- Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'?
Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'?
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' need?
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
How big does Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' grow?
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' hardy in the UK?
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'?
Softwood cuttings in early summer.
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More in the Spiraea genus
- Spiraeaspiraea
- Spiraea aruncus

- Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic'Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBRJapanese Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Zen'Spirit Gold ('Minspiz07')Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea prunifolia f. simplicifloraBridalwreath Spirea
- Spiraea densiflora var. splendensDense-flowered Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Little Flame ('Minspil04'PBR)Japanese Spiraea