The Double Play Artisan Spirea (Spiraea japonica DOUBLE PLAY 'Galen') is a popular cultivar of Spirea known for its stunning, bright pink blooms and attractive foliage. This deciduous shrub is easy to care for and suitable for a variety of gardening applications, including borders, hedges, and mass plantings.

Pollination Information:

The Double Play Artisan Spirea is a self-fertile plant, meaning that it can produce viable seeds from its own pollen. However, to ensure optimal pollination and fruit set, it's recommended to plant multiple shrubs in close proximity to one another. This will allow for greater genetic diversity and increase the chances of cross-pollination.

The Double Play Artisan Spirea blooms in late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators to its showy flowers. Bees, butterflies, and other insects are drawn to the nectar and pollen-rich blooms and play a crucial role in pollinating the plant. This, in turn, helps to ensure the continued health and vitality of the species.

Overall, while the Double Play Artisan Spirea is capable of self-pollination, it's recommended to plant multiple shrubs together to improve pollination rates and support a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Double Play Artisan Spirea (Spiraea japonica DOUBLE PLAY 'Galen') FAQs

What is Double Play Artisan Spirea?

Double Play Artisan Spirea (Spiraea japonica DOUBLE PLAY 'Galen') is a deciduous shrub that features pink blooms in the summer and striking red foliage in the fall. It has a dense, mounded growth habit and can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide.

How do I care for Double Play Artisan Spirea?

Double Play Artisan Spirea is a low maintenance plant. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Prune in the early spring before new growth emerges to maintain its shape and size.

When does Double Play Artisan Spirea bloom?

Double Play Artisan Spirea blooms in the early summer, typically in June. The pink blooms last for about 3-4 weeks.

What are the best companion plants for Double Play Artisan Spirea?

Double Play Artisan Spirea pairs well with other sun-loving plants such as lavender, salvia, and coreopsis. It also makes a great border plant with low-growing perennials like sedum and creeping phlox.

What is the difference between Double Play Artisan Spirea and other spirea varieties?

Double Play Artisan Spirea has a dense, mounded growth habit and striking red foliage in the fall. It also has a longer bloom period compared to other spirea varieties. Its pink blooms last for about 3-4 weeks, while other spirea varieties typically only bloom for 1-2 weeks.

Is Double Play Artisan Spirea deer resistant?

Double Play Artisan Spirea is deer resistant, although occasionally they may nibble on it if other food sources are scarce.

Can Double Play Artisan Spirea be grown in containers?

Yes, Double Play Artisan Spirea can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix. Water regularly and fertilize every spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

What is the hardiness zone for Double Play Artisan Spirea?

Double Play Artisan Spirea is hardy in zones 3-8.

Planting & Care for Double Play Artisan Spirea (Spiraea japonica DOUBLE PLAY 'Galen')

Planting:

1. Choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day.
2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
3. Mix in compost or other organic matter to provide nutrients and improve soil drainage.
4. Remove the plant from its container, gently loosen the roots, and place it in the hole.
5. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant.
6. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
7. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care:

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to package instructions.
• Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the plant.
• Double Play Artisan Spirea is generally pest and disease resistant and requires little additional care.