Group/Class:  Empire® Collection

Brand:  Star Roses and Plants

Description:

A brilliant display in the garden, with bright red new growth that matures to yellow, and then light green; clusters of pink flowers start in late spring, then sporadically throughout the season; perfect for the middle of borders, or as a low hedge

Ornamental Features

Empire® Northern Lights™ Spirea features showy clusters of pink flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to late summer. It has attractive light green-variegated yellow foliage with hints of gold which emerges red in spring. The small serrated pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Empire® Northern Lights™ Spirea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, 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 is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Empire® Northern Lights™ Spirea is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Empire® Northern Lights™ Spirea will grow to be about 3 feet 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 fast 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 may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.