spiraea Spiraea have long been popular, but they tend to grow too large, commanding too much space for the little interest they contribute beyond their early summer flowering. The Double Play series of spiraea, developed by Proven Winners, solves this problem with compact spiraea that lend interest in spring, summer and, in some cases, fall. For example, Double Play Gold bursts forth in spring with vivid chartreuse stems and foliage; these later turn a darker lime. It’s an improvement over other yellow-green selections because it resists scorching in full sun. It grows just 16 to 24 inches tall, making it easy to incorporate among perennials or site as a low, informal hedge along a path or around a bed. Oh, it serves up the pink flowers expected from spiraea, too.
deutzia Slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis) has always been a stunner, with loose clusters of fragrant white flowers covering its arching stems—for
Photos this spread and previous page ©Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs.
Top to bottom: Double Play Gold spiraea; Chardonnay Pearls deutzia.
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