Plant Profile: Spiraea x bumalda 'Anthony Waterer'

Spiraea x bumalda 'Anthony Waterer' is a well-regarded variety of Spiraea japonica. This species is characterized as a dense, upright, deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of about 6 feet, with a slightly wider spread. In contrast, the 'Anthony Waterer' cultivar is more compact, growing to heights of 2 to 3 feet and widths of 3 to 4 feet. The leaves of 'Anthony Waterer' are similar to those of japonica, measuring around 3 inches in length, oval in shape, and featuring sharp teeth along the edges. In spring, the new leaves display a reddish-purple hue, transitioning to blue-green in summer and finally turning reddish in the fall. Unlike the pink flowers of japonica, 'Anthony Waterer' boasts striking carmine red blooms arranged in flattened corymbs that can reach up to 6 inches across, providing a vibrant display from late spring through mid-summer. These flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies, and to enhance blooming, it is advisable to plant this variety in full sunlight. Additionally, removing spent flowers can prolong the blooming period. The compact growth habit of 'Anthony Waterer' means it requires minimal pruning to maintain its tidy appearance, making it an excellent choice for the front of shrub borders.

This cultivar thrives in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils and prefers full sun exposure. While it can adapt to a variety of soil types, it flourishes best in rich, moist loams. Since 'Anthony Waterer' flowers on new growth, any necessary pruning should be done in late winter to early spring. Like many spiraea varieties, it can be somewhat aggressive, spreading through seeds and suckers, and has been known to naturalize in various regions of the eastern United States.

In terms of pests and diseases, deer may pose a threat to this plant, but there are no significant insect or disease issues reported. Spiraea species are generally vulnerable to the same pests and diseases that affect other members of the rose family, including leaf spot, fire blight, root rot, aphids, leaf rollers, and scale.

For further details on Spiraea x bumalda, additional resources are available.