A Sugary-Sweet Shrub That Stays in Bounds

Spireas have by and large lost favor over the last 20 years , due in part to their sometimes trespassing nature in sure surface area of the commonwealth . For this reason , they have often been think of as the undesirable stepchildren of florescence shrubs . However , they are still grown widely in the United States because of their low upkeep , enduringness , and proven performance . Over 100 cultivar of Japanese spirea exist , and many are available in nurseries around North America . Several have beautiful yellowish / gold foliage with reddish , pinkish , or orange new increment . In my nous , however , none can equate with the colorful and well - deport Candy Corn ® .

This cultivar was developed by North Carolina State University ’s Tom Ranney . He first selected it in 2012 in a field of seedling , but plants did n’t become available for retail until 2017 . In that short time it has become a best seller — and for proficient reason . Most notably , it does not bring forth seed , eliminating the concerns of spreading in areas of the United States where Nipponese spireas are an trespassing problem . The color show start in early spring as stringy stems become deck in a charge of confect - orchard apple tree - red leaves . As the cerise leaves age , they become a vibrant golden yellow . In tardy spring 1 - to-2 - in clustering of threefold royal flowers are produce on new growth , which are enjoyed by bees .

In true downcast - maintenance manner , Candy Corn ® grow course into a compact mound . However , if it convey larger than desired or needs to be tidied up , it can be sheared soon after flowering . This will spark later - time of year new development , which is a pleasing rusty Red River . While it does best in median garden grease , it will stick out Lucius Clay as long as the soil does not stay saturated . Spirea is typically ignored by deer and rabbits , is quite drought liberal once set up , and is not bother by disease . Attractive enough to be used as a focal point , Candy Corn ® can make an even bolder financial statement when found in movement of three , five , or more . Now that ’s what I call a dulcet shrub .

Candy Corn®Japanese spirea

Spiraea japonica*‘NCSX1’

Zones:4–8

condition : Full sunlight to partial shade ; well - run out dirt

Native range : Japan

*Invasive alert: Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica)

This plant is turn over invasive in GA , IN , KY , PA , TN .

Please visitinvasiveplantatlas.orgfor more information .

Jason Reeves is the curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens , settle in Jackson .

instance : Elara Tanguy

Sources

Fine Gardening recommend Products

DeWalt Variable - Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Buffalo - Style Gardens : Create a Quirky , One - of - a - Kind Private Garden with Eye - Catching Designs

Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner

Get our latest tip , how - to article , and instructional videos sent to your inbox .

signalise you up …

Compact Shrubs with Colorful Foliage for the Southeast

Episode 135: Spring-Flowering Dwarf Shrubs

A Variegated Shrub With a Long Season of Interest

Fall Fragrance From a Little-Known Shrub

conjoin Fine horticulture for a free engaging live webinar sport Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant pathologist as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals expert manager …

When I spotted a particular gumption dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few calendar month ago , I knew I was in trouble . With a delightful coloration pattern …

When we only prioritise plants we require over plants our landscape painting needs , each season is satisfy with a never - ending list of chores : pruning , tweet , lachrymation , treating , remedy , and fertilizing , with …

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re probable to travel on something , but because you might be dive - flunk by a duo …