Family:  Rosaceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  2-3'
Spacing:  3-4'
Blooms:  Showy, pale pink and white, late Spring
Foliage:  Deciduous, narrow, initially pinkish turning to lime-green, turns to coppery-orange in Fall
Soil:  Well-drained, highly acidic, neutral, mildly alaline, drought tolerant
Water:  Low, more in Summer
Uses:  Xeriscaping, landscaping, hedges,  borders, foliage, butterfly garden, cut flowers, cottage, foundation, Summer interest, Fall interest
Propagation:  Woody stem cuttings

Comments:  Spiraea japonica 'Shibori' or Japanese Meadowsweet or Japanese Spirea or Maybush or Peppermint Stick Spirea is a deciduous shrub with a moderate, upright, dense, mounding growth habit.  In late Spring or early Summer, long blooming, showy pale pink and white blossoms appear attracting many butterflies and bees while birds enjoy feasting on the seeds.  Florists are delighted with the beautiful cut flowers.  Spiraea japonica 'Shibori' has attractive narrow foliage that starts out pinkish then turning to lime-green.  It is easily propagated from layering, stem cuttings or from rootball divisions.  Japanese Meadowsweet performs best in well-drained, acidic, neutral soil or mildly alkaline soil.  It is low maintenance and tolerates drought conditions.  Increase watering in Summer.  Mass plant Japanese Spirea for a beautiful hedge or as border plants.  Use it in foundation planting or in a cottage setting, contrasting them with some evergreens to bring out its remarkable foliage.  Remove spent blossoms to promote extra blooms.  Give Maybush a good groom in late Fall or Spring for a neat compact appearance.  Peppermint Stick Spirea makes splendid foliage plants.  In the Fall its foliage turns to a delightful coppery-orange, adding much needed colors to the Fall landscape.  Spiraea japonica 'Shibori'  is an excellent landscaping plant and it is a terrific showstopper.

USDA Zones:  4-8