Overview
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Japan.
About
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' (Japanese spiraea) is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is suitable for south, west, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. 'Little Princess' offers seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for various garden settings including borders and wildlife gardens.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Propagation
- Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'?
Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for various garden settings including borders and wildlife gardens.
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'?
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' need?
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
How big does Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' grow?
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' hardy in the UK?
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'?
Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter.
More in the Spiraea genus
- Spiraeaspiraea
- 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