Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Red’

Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Red’: Burgundy Spring Foliage, Near-Red Flowers

A Proven Winners favourite for high colour in a compact footprint, Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Red’ starts the season with rich, dark burgundy foliage that holds its own in any planting. In late spring, vibrant, near-red flower clusters appear and sit beautifully against those moody leaves, creating a bold contrast that reads clearly from a distance. The plant forms a dense, rounded mound that stays neat and full, making it easy to design with and even easier to maintain. It is a reliable way to add long-lasting foliage drama with a strong burst of bloom.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Near-red
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Foliage: Dark burgundy spring foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil, adaptable to average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for mixed shrub borders, foundation beds, and sunny landscapes that need strong colour without extra height. ‘Double Play® Red’ works beautifully as a repeating accent to create rhythm through a planting, and it is also an excellent front-to-mid border shrub where tidy mounding form matters. The burgundy foliage adds depth all season, and the late-spring bloom provides a lively colour punch that pairs well with both soft pastels and bright summer tones.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best foliage colour and flowering, with part shade suitable in hotter locations. Water regularly during the first season to establish, then water during extended dry spells for best performance. Shear lightly after flowering to refresh the shape and encourage dense new growth. A thin layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps the root zone cool, especially in exposed sites.

History: Part of the Proven Winners Double Play® series, ‘Double Play® Red’ was selected for its showy burgundy foliage and strong, saturated flower colour on a compact, landscape-friendly plant. It was developed to deliver dependable garden performance with colour that lasts beyond the bloom window.

Final Thoughts: If you want a compact shrub that looks dramatic from the first flush of spring onward, ‘Double Play® Red’ delivers with deep foliage, confident bloom colour, and a tidy habit that keeps borders looking sharp.