Spiraea japonica Double Play® Candy Corn® 'NCSX1'

Double Play® Candy Corn® spirea is a patented cultivar shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae). It grows up to 2 feet tall and wide with a rounded habit and is low maintenance. This plant was developed by Dr. Tom Ranney of North Carolina State University. It can usually be found in garden centers as Double Play Candy Corn. The genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.

Double Play® Candy Corn® will do well in average well-drained garden soil in full sun to light shade. It is drought tolerant once established and generally ignored by rabbits and deer. This shrub grows up to 2 feet tall with a similar spread up to 2.5 feet. It can be slow to leaf out in the spring. Be sure not to prune off new growth as you will lose the flowers.

New leaves on this plant come out apple red and then become pineapple yellow.  The dark purple clusters of flowers add to the contrasting colors in spring to early summer. Foliage color continues to emerge from orange to red through fall giving it 3 seasons of interest.

Use this plant in the border, in groups, as a specimen, along walkways or anywhere the color show can be enjoyed. No pruning is necessary to maintain the shape.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for aphids

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Spiraea japonica.