Anthony Waterer Spirea

Anthony Waterer Spirea (Spiraea x bumalda 'Anthony Waterer')

Anthony Waterer Spirea is a compact, mounded deciduous shrub that brings dependable color to sunny landscapes for months at a time. It fills out quickly to create a neat, low profile mass that makes beds look finished and intentional. From late spring through summer, flat-topped clusters of deep pink flowers keep borders lively and attract pollinators. It is easy to maintain, responds well to pruning, and performs reliably in a wide range of everyday garden soils with a well-drained site.

Distinctive Features

This spirea forms a dense, upright to broadly mounded shape with fresh green foliage that can show bronzy or reddish tones on new growth. The standout feature is its long flowering window, producing broad, showy clusters in carmine to deep rosy pink that can repeat with timely trimming. The plant holds a clean outline without constant attention, making it a strong choice for structured beds and low hedging. In favorable seasons, the foliage can add a light fall finish, extending interest beyond bloom.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun for best flowering and compact growth, with part sun tolerated.
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil, adaptable to many soil types, including clay if drainage is acceptable.
• Water: Medium moisture, water regularly to establish, then maintain moderate watering during extended dry periods.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
• Habit: Dense, upright to mounded, with a naturally rounded outline.
• Bloom Season: Late spring through summer, with repeat bloom encouraged by pruning.
• Notable Traits: Attracts butterflies and is often less favored by deer than many flowering shrubs.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a low focal point in a sunny bed where the long-season pink bloom can anchor the front of the planting.
• Edging: Line walks and bed fronts for a tidy, flowering border that stays at an easy-to-manage height.
• Mass Planting: Plant in drifts to create a broad sweep of consistent color and a finished, professional look.
• Foundation Planting: Place along foundations where compact size and dense growth provide structure without blocking views.
• Low Hedge: Use in a row for a soft, flowering hedge that responds well to shaping.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Shear or trim right after the main bloom flush to encourage repeat flowering and keep the mound tight.
• Renewal: In late winter to early spring, remove a few of the oldest stems at the base to refresh vigor over time.
• Watering: Water during prolonged drought, especially in the first two growing seasons, to support consistent bloom.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if needed, because overly rich soil can reduce flowering and increase soft growth.
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch pulled back from the stems.

Why Choose Anthony Waterer Spirea?

• Long Bloom Window: Deep pink flower clusters brighten the landscape from late spring well into summer.
• Compact Structure: A dense, mounded habit fits neatly into borders, foundations, and low hedges.
• Easy Repeat Color: Simple post-bloom trimming can prompt a fresh flush of flowers.
• Pollinator Friendly: Blooms attract butterflies and other beneficial visitors during peak garden season.
• Reliable Performance: Adaptable and durable when given sun and a well-drained site.

Anthony Waterer Spirea is a straightforward way to add long-running color and clean structure to sunny beds. Pair it with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, or darker foliage shrubs to make the pink bloom stand out. With a quick trim after flowering and basic watering during dry spells, it stays dense, colorful, and dependable year after year.