The Gumball spirea is essentially a compact version of the popular Froebelli spirea and is similar in most other respects except for size; showy rich pink flowers in late spring, foliage emerges with a purple tint, good fall color, a versatile shrub for the garden border
This spirea features showy clusters of hot pink flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early summer and an attractive purple-tipped bluish-green foliage which emerges deep purple in spring and returns to deep purple in the fall. Like all spireas the fruit and bark is there, but who cares?
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard but deer are not keen on it.
Gumball Spirea will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is tolerant of urban pollution.
