Rainbow Fizz Spirea

Rainbow Fizz Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Matgold')

Rainbow Fizz Spirea is a compact, rounded shrub that delivers bold color shifts from the first flush of spring growth through fall. New foliage starts with warm copper tones, then brightens to yellow and lime green, keeping borders looking fresh and high-contrast. Pink flower clusters add another layer of color from late spring through summer, with repeat bloom often extending the display. It is easy to grow in sunny beds, stays neatly sized, and brings strong seasonal interest without demanding maintenance.

Distinctive Features

This Japanese spirea stands out for its color-changing foliage, moving from coppery spring growth to bright yellow with red-tinged tips, then settling into a lively lime green look for summer. Dense clusters of pink flowers rise above the foliage in late spring and continue through summer, especially with light trimming after the first flush. As the season cools, foliage often shifts to copper and red tones for a warm fall finish. The naturally compact, mounded habit keeps the plant looking tidy and landscape-ready.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part sun for best foliage color and flowering.
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil, adaptable to many garden soils when drainage is reasonable.
• Water: Medium moisture to establish, then moderate watering, with deep watering during extended dry periods.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
• Habit: Dense, compact, and mounded.
• Bloom Season: Late spring through summer, with repeat bloom possible into early fall.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point where the shifting foliage colors and pink blooms can lead the front of a sunny bed.
• Edging: Line walks and bed fronts for a tidy border that stays compact and colorful.
• Mass Planting: Plant in drifts to create a bright ribbon of foliage color with long-season flower accents.
• Foundation Planting: Place along foundations where a dense mound adds structure without blocking windows.
• Containers: Grow in large containers to bring season-long color close to patios and entries.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Shear lightly after the first bloom flush to encourage repeat flowering and refresh foliage color.
• Renewal: In late winter to early spring, remove a few older stems at the base to maintain vigor and density.
• Watering: Water consistently during the first growing season, then water during prolonged drought to reduce stress.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring only if needed, because excess fertility can reduce flowering and loosen habit.
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch pulled back from the stems.

Why Choose Rainbow Fizz Spirea?

• Color-Changing Foliage: Spring copper tones shift to bright yellow and lime green for strong season-long contrast.
• Long Bloom Window: Pink flower clusters provide color from late spring through summer, with repeat bloom possible.
• Compact Structure: Dense, mounded growth fits borders, foundations, and small-space landscapes.
• Strong Fall Finish: Foliage often turns copper and red tones as temperatures cool.
• Easy Reliability: Straightforward care and adaptable performance make it a dependable landscape shrub.

Rainbow Fizz Spirea is a practical way to add bright foliage, steady bloom color, and a warm fall finish in one manageable shrub. Pair it with dark evergreens, purple foliage companions, or blue-toned perennials to sharpen contrast and add depth. With sun, decent drainage, and a quick post-bloom trim, it stays dense, colorful, and reliable year after year.