Spiraea Anthony Waterer (9cm)

Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer is definitely a plant that can create magic in your garden in the summer. This compact variety is an upright deciduous shrub that produces rosy pink flowers in clusters, from late spring to mid-summer. The flowers standout when they contrast brightly against the variegated green foliage. Butterflies simply cannot resist these highly ornamental flowers.

It is just so fascinating to look at Anthony Waterer shrubs grouped together in borders, with entire shrubs covered in pink flowers and red-purple foliage. Their leaves are oval-lanceolate reddish-brown as they emerge in spring and turn bluish-green as they mature. In autumn, the leaves finally change colours to the shades to red.

Some leaves are even white but are rare in numbers. The plants bloom deep pink flowers in flat-topped clusters and can rebloom if pruned on time.

Also known as the Japanese Spiraea, Anthony Waterer is an easy to grow plant that requires low maintenance. It can adapt to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic well-drained soils. Plant it in a full sun to partial shade location and water well so that it can establish its deep root system.

Unlike other cultivars of Spiraea, this one is more compact and requires lesser pruning. Prune before the new growth in spring to keep its proper shape and structure. Remove any faded flowers to encourage new blooms.

Anthony Waterer makes ideal shrub borders for rock gardens. It is suitable for a low-growing informal hedge that will decorate a pathway. Plant it as a single specimen that will brighten up dull corners with its colourful leaves and masses of pink flowers.