How to Grow Anthony Waterer Spiraea

Anthony Waterer Spiraea

Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'

shrub

Anthony Waterer is a compact, deciduous flowering shrub prized for its brilliant red to pink flower clusters and colorful foliage that transitions from bronze-red in spring to green in summer, then orange-red in fall. This dwarf cultivar typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, containers, and landscape accents. It produces abundant panicles of flowers throughout summer, attracting butterflies and pollinators.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily for best flowering and color; tolerates partial shade but flowers and foliage color will be less vibrant

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply during dry spells. Reduce watering in fall and winter.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to reach mature flowering size

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Planting depth: Plant with top of root ball at or slightly above soil level; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss for moisture retention in sandy soils avoid heavy clay without amendment

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

First 3-6 months

Newly planted shrub focuses on root development. Growth is moderate; foliage may appear stressed initially.

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Avoid fertilizing the first year. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it away from the stem.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer, year 1-2

Shrub develops full canopy and stems elongate. Spring foliage emerges bronze-red, gradually turning green. No flowers or minimal flowers in year one.

Light pruning to shape in early spring. Monitor for pests and diseases. Begin light fertilizing in spring of second year.

Flowering

June to August

Dense clusters of small red to pink flowers appear at branch tips. Flowering progresses from early to midsummer. Foliage remains lush green.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended bloom. Water consistently as flowering is water-intensive. Avoid heavy pruning during blooming.

Summer Maintenance

July to August

Peak flowering period continues. Foliage may show slight stress in intense heat. Flower clusters develop seeds if not deadheaded.

Continue deadheading for continuous blooms. Water deeply during hot spells. Light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer mid-summer is beneficial.

Fall Dormancy & Color Change

September to November

Flowering ceases. Foliage transitions from green to orange-red. Leaves eventually drop. Plant enters dormant phase.

Reduce watering gradually. Prune heavily in late fall or early spring while dormant (not during fall color period). Do not fertilize in fall.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Russian Sage Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Salvia Ornamental grasses Catmint Butterfly weed

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut trees (juglone toxicity) Plants requiring constant moisture (excessive watering may cause root issues)

Common Pests

Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use Japanese beetle traps at distance from plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations are high; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water or insecticidal soap; avoid over-fertilizing which promotes pest reproduction
Prune affected branches; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in early summer when larvae are young
Prune out heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; use insecticidal soap in growing season

Uses

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Landscape Specimen & Border Accent

Ornamental

The compact size, brilliant red-pink flowers, and multiseason foliage color make Anthony Waterer an excellent choice for perennial borders, foundation plantings, and landscape features. It serves as a focal point and attracts pollinators throughout summer. [source]

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Butterfly & Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

The abundant small flowers provide excellent nectar and pollen sources for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Fresh flower clusters can be cut in summer at peak bloom and arranged in vases as attractive interior decorations with a moderate vase life of 7-10 days. [source]

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Dried Flower Craft

Craft

Flower clusters can be dried by hanging upside down in a dark, airy location for use in dried arrangements and craft projects throughout the year. [source]

Harvest Tips

Anthony Waterer Spiraea is ornamental; flowers are not harvested for consumption. However, cut flower arrangements can be made by snipping clusters when fully open in summer. For landscape maintenance, deadhead spent flowers throughout summer to promote continuous blooming. Hard prune in late winter (February-March) by cutting back to 12-18 inches above ground; plant regenerates vigorously from old wood.

Fun Facts

🌱 Anthony Waterer is a 19th-century cultivar introduced by the Waterer Nursery in England and remains one of the most popular dwarf spiraea varieties worldwide.
🌱 The foliage can flush bronze-red in spring due to anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds that make blueberries blue and give red apples their color.
🌱 Spiraea belongs to the Rosaceae family and is related to roses, apples, and strawberries, sharing the family's prolific flowering ability.

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