Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’: A Captivating Flowering Shrub
Background and Family: Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’, also known as Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’, Spiraea japonica var. alpina Maxim, Japanese Meadowsweet, Korean Spiraea ‘Anthony Waterer’, Anthony Waterer Spirea, or Japanese Spirea ‘Anthony Waterer’, belongs to the Rosaceae family of plants. This vibrant cultivar is a hybrid of Spiraea japonica and Spiraea albiflora, resulting in a stunning combination of characteristics.
Characteristics and Description: Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ is an upright deciduous shrub that reaches a height of about 1m or 3ft. Its foliage showcases a captivating transformation, turning vibrant shades of yellow and reddish-purple during the fall season. The striking contrast between the unusual bluish foliage and the deep rosy-pink flowers that adorn the tips of the branches from late spring to midsummer is truly eye-catching.
The leaves of Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ are simple and alternately arranged. They have an ovate shape and initially emerge reddish in color, transitioning to green and then turning red again in autumn. The reddish stems add further visual interest to the shrub’s overall appearance.
Flowering Season and Fragrance: Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ produces its charming blossoms in late spring and throughout the summer. The flowers are gathered in flat-topped clusters or corymbs, exhibiting shades of reddish-pink or magenta. While this cultivar is not particularly known for its fragrance, its vibrant flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees, adding an additional layer of beauty to the garden. Furthermore, Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ demonstrates excellent deer tolerance, reducing the risk of damage to the plant.
Cultivation of Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’:
Sunlight: Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ thrives in full sun but can also tolerate light shade. It is adaptable to different light conditions, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.
Watering: This cultivar prefers average moisture levels and well-drained soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers rich, moist loams. Regular watering is recommended, particularly during dry periods, to ensure the plant’s optimal growth and vitality.
Soil: Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ can thrive in various soil conditions. It is adaptable to different pH levels and can grow well in both acidic and alkaline soils. Ensuring adequate drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, as prolonged saturated soil conditions are not well-tolerated by this shrub.
Pests and Diseases: Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ is generally considered a low-maintenance plant with good resistance to pests and diseases. It is virtually pest and disease-free, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty without significant concerns in this regard.
Propagation: This cultivar can be propagated through softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring. Softwood cuttings involve taking young, flexible stems and rooting them in well-drained soil or a suitable rooting medium. Division refers to separating a mature plant into multiple sections, each with its own roots, to create new individual plants. Both methods can be successful in propagating Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ and expanding its presence in the garden.
Versatile and Beautiful:
Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ is an excellent choice for various garden applications. Its compact size, reaching 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm), makes it suitable for borders, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, and even slopes and banks. Its ability to attract butterflies while being ignored by deer adds to its desirability as a landscape plant.
Renewal and Maintenance: To promote optimal growth and flowering, Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ benefits from pruning in late winter or early spring. This encourages new wood production and ensures abundant blooms. If the shrub becomes overgrown, it can be renovated by cutting it back hard immediately after flowering.
A Resilient and Charming Addition: With its captivating flowers, striking foliage, and adaptable nature, Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ is an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in a variety of garden conditions. Whether placed in sunny or partially shaded locations, it brings a touch of elegance and vibrancy to the landscape. Embrace its pest and disease resistance, propagate it through various methods, and enjoy the enduring beauty it brings to your outdoor spaces.
