Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea

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Double Play Candy Corn Spirea is a colorful, deciduous shrub known for its striking foliage that transitions from yellow to orange to red throughout the growing season. Its vibrant color and compact growth habit make it a standout choice for garden beds and landscapes.

  • Botanical name: Spiraea japonica
  • Bloom time: Summer
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 3-8; thrives in temperate climates with well-draining soil

Note: Double Play Candy Corn Spirea is known for its colorful foliage and may benefit from regular pruning to maintain its compact shape and promote vibrant new growth.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

With the Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea, expect a captivating display of ever-changing colors and a continuous show of blooms. The foliage transitions from orange-red in spring to yellow in summer, culminating in fiery orange-red hues in fall. Clusters of pink flowers emerge in early summer, attracting pollinators and adding a touch of charm to your garden. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in various soil conditions and requires minimal pruning, making it a delightful addition to any landscape.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; reaches a mature height of 1-2 ft and width of about 2-3 ft.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

The Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea thrives in well-drained soil and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry between waterings. This shrub performs best in full sun to partial shade, receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some shade, maximum sunlight exposure will enhance the intensity of its foliage colors and overall vigor.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: The Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea typically does not require regular pruning, as it naturally maintains its compact shape. However, if desired, light pruning can be done in early spring to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged branches.

Fertilization: Fertilize the Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for shrubs and follow the package instructions for application rates. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Winter Protection: In zones 5-10, where winter temperatures can be cold, provide proper winter protection for the Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. Consider using burlap or protective covers during periods of extreme cold.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

For successful planting of the Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea, choose a location in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter to enhance drainage and soil fertility. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the spirea in the hole ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, and backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Whether planted in a pot or in the ground, the Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea will thrive with proper care.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 3-8

The Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea grows in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. It exhibits excellent hardiness and can withstand a range of climatic conditions found in these zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea typically grows to a compact size, making it well-suited for various garden settings, including borders, mass plantings, and containers. Here are the typical dimensions for Double Play Candy Corn Spirea:

Height: On average, Double Play Candy Corn Spirea reaches a height of about 18 to 24 inches at maturity. However, in optimal growing conditions, it may occasionally grow slightly taller.

Width: The spread of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea is typically similar to its height, reaching a width of approximately 18 to 24 inches. Its mounded or spreading habit gives it a compact and rounded appearance.

These dimensions make Double Play Candy Corn Spirea an excellent choice for smaller gardens or landscape areas where space is limited. Additionally, its compact size and attractive foliage make it suitable for use as a low hedge, border plant, or specimen shrub.

Proper pruning and maintenance can help control the size and shape of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic in your landscape. Regular pruning after flowering can help maintain its compact form and encourage vigorous growth.

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea is known for its relatively moderate growth rate. Under optimal growing conditions, it typically grows at a moderate pace, adding approximately 6 to 12 inches of new growth per year.

Factors influencing the growth rate of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea include:

Climate: Double Play Candy Corn Spirea thrives in moderate climates with adequate sunlight and moisture. It may exhibit faster growth in regions with favorable conditions for plant growth.

Soil Quality: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter provides an ideal growing environment for Double Play Candy Corn Spirea. Good soil conditions can promote healthier growth and faster development.

Watering: Consistent watering, especially during periods of hot, dry weather, can support steady growth in Double Play Candy Corn Spirea. However, avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can hinder growth and lead to root rot.

Pruning: Proper pruning and maintenance practices can also affect the growth rate of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea. Regular pruning to remove dead or overgrown branches can stimulate new growth and maintain a compact, healthy plant.

Overall, while Double Play Candy Corn Spirea is not known for rapid growth, it can establish itself relatively quickly in the landscape and develop into a beautiful, ornamental shrub with proper care and maintenance.

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea typically grows in a mounded or spreading habit, but it is not considered invasive in most regions. While it can spread slowly over time through the growth of its root system and by producing new shoots, it generally remains well-behaved in garden settings with proper maintenance.

To control the spread of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea and prevent it from encroaching on neighboring plants or areas of the garden where it's not wanted, you can employ several strategies:

Regular Pruning: Pruning the shrub annually helps maintain its shape and size, preventing it from spreading excessively. Remove any errant or overgrown branches to keep the plant contained within its desired boundaries.

Root Barrier: Installing a root barrier around the perimeter of the plant can help restrict the spread of its root system. Use a barrier material designed to prevent the lateral spread of roots and bury it to a sufficient depth around the plant.

Dividing: If Double Play Candy Corn Spirea becomes too large or begins to spread beyond its allotted space, consider dividing the plant. Dig up the root ball and carefully divide it into smaller sections, then replant the divisions in suitable locations.

Regular Maintenance: Keep the area around the shrub free from weeds and competing vegetation, as this can help prevent the spread of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea by seed dispersal or root competition.

By implementing these measures, you can manage the spread of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea and enjoy its attractive foliage and blooms without concerns about invasiveness.

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape, promote flowering, and rejuvenate the plant. Here are some guidelines for pruning Double Play Candy Corn Spirea:

Spring Pruning: Perform light pruning in early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This helps improve airflow and reduces the risk of disease.

Deadheading: After the initial bloom period in early summer, deadhead the spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prolong the flowering season. Simply snip off the faded flower clusters just below the base of the cluster.

Rejuvenation Pruning: Every few years, consider more severe rejuvenation pruning to invigorate the plant and stimulate new growth. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire shrub to about 6 to 12 inches above the ground. This drastic pruning encourages fresh, vigorous growth and helps maintain the plant's compact habit.

Thinning: Periodically thin out crowded or overly dense growth to improve air circulation and light penetration within the plant. Remove a portion of the oldest, woodiest stems at ground level to encourage new growth from the base.

Trimming for Shape: Throughout the growing season, trim back any wayward branches or long shoots to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub. Use hand pruners or hedge trimmers to trim back individual branches as needed.

By incorporating these pruning practices, you can keep Double Play Candy Corn Spirea looking neat, healthy, and blooming abundantly throughout the growing season.

The best place to plant Spirea depends on various factors such as the specific cultivar, local climate conditions, and desired landscaping goals. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

Sunlight: Most Spirea varieties prefer full sun to partial shade. Ensure that the planting location receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat.

Soil: Spirea thrives in well-drained soil with good fertility. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH but can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy or sandy soils. Avoid planting in waterlogged or poorly drained areas to prevent root rot.

Spacing: Plant Spirea shrubs with adequate spacing between each plant to allow for proper air circulation and future growth. Space them according to the specific cultivar's mature size, typically ranging from 2 to 6 feet apart.

Landscaping Use: Consider the intended landscaping use when selecting a planting location for Spirea. It works well as a border plant, mass planting, or in mixed shrub borders. Planting along walkways or near patios can showcase its beautiful foliage and flowers.

Climate: Spirea is adaptable to a wide range of climates but performs best in regions with moderate temperatures and consistent moisture. Some varieties may be more cold-hardy or heat-tolerant, so choose cultivars suited to your local climate.

Maintenance: Keep in mind accessibility for maintenance tasks such as pruning, watering, and fertilizing when choosing a planting location. Planting Spirea in an area easily accessible for routine care will ensure the health and longevity of the shrubs.

By considering these factors, you can select an ideal planting location for Spirea that promotes healthy growth, abundant flowering, and enhances the overall landscape aesthetics.

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea offers multi-season interest with its distinct foliage and vibrant blooms. Here's how it looks each season:

Spring: In spring, Double Play Candy Corn Spirea leafs out with striking foliage emerging in shades of orange, red, and yellow. The new growth is particularly vivid and adds a burst of color to the landscape as the plant comes out of dormancy.

Summer: As summer progresses, the foliage of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea matures to a combination of green and gold hues, providing a backdrop for the plant's blooming period. During this time, clusters of small, pink to red flowers adorn the plant, attracting pollinators and adding further visual appeal.

Fall: In fall, the foliage of Double Play Candy Corn Spirea may undergo another color transformation, turning shades of orange, bronze, or red, depending on environmental conditions and the cultivar. The changing colors add warmth to the autumn landscape.

Winter: During the winter months, Double Play Candy Corn Spirea may lose its leaves, revealing the plant's architectural structure. While dormant, the plant still offers interest with its branching pattern, providing visual appeal even in the absence of foliage.

Overall, Double Play Candy Corn Spirea provides year-round beauty, making it a valuable addition to garden landscapes.

Double Play Candy Corn Spirea typically blooms in late spring to early summer, usually starting in May and continuing through June. The exact timing of the bloom may vary slightly depending on factors such as local climate conditions and the specific cultivar. During this time, Double Play Candy Corn Spirea produces clusters of small, vibrant flowers that can range in color from pink to red, adding a burst of color to the landscape. The blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden's biodiversity.

No, Double Play Candy Corn Spirea is not considered invasive. It is a cultivar of Spiraea japonica, which is native to Japan, China, and Korea. While some varieties of Spiraea japonica have shown invasive tendencies in certain regions, cultivars like Double Play Candy Corn are typically selected and bred for their ornamental qualities, such as vibrant foliage color and compact growth habit. However, it's always essential to check with local authorities or extension offices to ensure that the plant is suitable for your specific area and won't pose any invasive threats.

The best time to plant Spirea is typically in the early spring or late fall, when temperatures are cooler and there is reduced stress on the plants. Here's why:

Spring Planting: Planting Spirea in early spring allows the roots to establish themselves before the onset of hot summer weather. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall during springtime provide optimal conditions for root growth and establishment.

Fall Planting: Late fall is another suitable time for planting Spirea, as temperatures begin to cool down and the plant enters dormancy. Fall planting allows the roots to grow and establish without the stress of summer heat, giving the plant a head start for the following growing season.

By planting Spirea during these times, you give the plants the best chance of establishing healthy root systems and thriving in their new environment. Make sure to provide adequate water and mulch after planting to help retain soil moisture and protect the roots during establishment.

Overwatered Spirea may exhibit several signs of stress due to excessive moisture in the soil. Some common indicators of overwatering in Spirea include:

Wilting Leaves: Despite ample moisture, the leaves may appear wilted or droopy due to root suffocation caused by waterlogged soil.

Yellowing Leaves: Overwatered Spirea may develop yellowing or chlorotic leaves as a result of reduced oxygen uptake by the roots, leading to nutrient deficiencies.

Leaf Drop: Excessive moisture can cause the leaves to drop prematurely, as the roots struggle to absorb water and nutrients efficiently.

Stunted Growth: Overwatering can hinder root development and lead to stunted growth or overall decline in the plant's vigor.

Root Rot: Prolonged exposure to soggy conditions can promote the development of root rot diseases, characterized by dark, mushy roots and a foul odor.

To prevent overwatering and maintain the health of Spirea plants, ensure proper drainage in the soil, water deeply but infrequently, and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Adjust watering practices based on environmental conditions and the specific needs of the plant.

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