{"product_id":"double-play-blue-kazoo-spirea","title":"Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Blue-Foliage Spirea Built for Minnesota Borders\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDouble Play Blue Kazoo Spirea (Spiraea media 'Blue Kazoo') brings rare blue-green foliage and burgundy fall color to a tough zone 3 spirea. Whether you are filling a Minneapolis perennial border, anchoring an Eden Prairie foundation bed, or building a pollinator garden in St. Paul — Blue Kazoo gets the job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDouble Play Blue Kazoo Spirea Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpiraea media 'Blue Kazoo'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDouble Play Blue Kazoo Spirea\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — 12-18 inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs) for best bloom and fall color. Tolerates light afternoon shade.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is enough most years.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — leaves emerge with often-colorful spring flush, hold through summer, drop with fall color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRarely browsed — one of the most deer-proof flowering shrubs available\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite lacecap clusters in late spring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDouble Play Blue Kazoo Spirea Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSunny perennial borders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpireas anchor mixed borders with their dependable bloom and tidy mounding habit. Pair with native Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, or Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass for a low-maintenance Twin Cities border that handles clay soil and deer pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFoundation plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact spireas thrive in foundation beds where they get full sun reflected off the house. Their deep roots tolerate the dry \"rain shadow\" zone under roof eaves better than most shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBees and butterflies flock to spirea blooms in early-to-midsummer. A small spirea grouping is a low-effort way to add habitat value for the Lawns to Legumes program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window.\u003c\/strong\u003e Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April–May) is the second-best window\u003c\/strong\u003e — the plant gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDig wide, not deep.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container. Heavy clay benefits from even wider digging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck drainage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill the hole with water — if it doesn't drain in 30 minutes, mound-plant or break through any clay hardpan to improve drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBackfill with native soil + 20–30% compost.\u003c\/strong\u003e Minnesota clay-loam benefits from organic amendment but don't create a \"container\" of pure compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Refer to the mature width above and space accordingly. Closer for hedging, wider for individual specimen plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater basin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Build a 3–4 inch ring around the planting to direct water to the roots. Flatten or remove before winter to avoid ice damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chip mulch, kept 2 inches away from the trunk. Do NOT use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes per plant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 3–4 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 5–7 days during active growth; less if rainfall is adequate (Minnesota averages ~3 inches\/month June–August)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze\u003c\/strong\u003e (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro) to avoid pushing late-season growth that gets killed by winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants only need supplemental water during droughts (2+ weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Water deeply and infrequently — every 7–14 days during dry spells, soaking to 6–8 inches depth. Let natural rainfall do most of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePruning Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrune in early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back by ⅓ for shape and bloom vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea and similar shrubs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistinctive blue-green foliage that turns burgundy in fall. This makes it a strong choice when you want blue-foliage, fall-color, spring-bloom in a Minnesota-tested plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — 3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F. Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea is among the most reliable spireas for Twin Cities zone 4b–5a yards. First-year plants benefit from a deep mulch ring and adequate fall watering before ground freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely browsed — one of the most deer-proof flowering shrubs available In high-pressure areas like Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, or Chanhassen, plan accordingly — deer fencing or repellent for the first year is a worthwhile insurance policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea tolerate Minnesota clay soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. At planting, dig wide (2–3× the root ball width) and amend with 20–30% compost. Avoid creating a sunken \"container\" of pure compost in the clay — the plant should transition gradually to native soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August through early October) is the ideal planting window — soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and plants get 6–8 weeks to establish before ground freeze. Spring (late April through May) is the second-best window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite lacecap clusters in late spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/shrubs\"\u003eShop all Three Timbers Minnesota shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e — full catalog of zone 4-hardy shrubs for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deer-resistant\"\u003eDeer-Resistant Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — for high-pressure suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/winter-interest\"\u003eWinter Interest Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — plants that look great through Minnesota's five-month winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/find-my-plant\"\u003eFind Your Perfect Plant\u003c\/a\u003e — answer 5 questions and we'll recommend a plant for your yard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a low hedge or border edging, space Blue Kazoo about 2.5 feet apart — at 2–3 feet of spread, the mounds knit into a continuous blue-green band:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (2.5 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an accent, plant in groups of 3 spaced 2.5 feet apart where the blue foliage can contrast with green or gold neighbors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDouble Play Blue Kazoo Spirea Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e A colorful new-growth flush settles into rare blue-green foliage, topped in late spring by white lacecap clusters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bees and butterflies work the blooms into early-to-midsummer while the cool blue foliage holds steady through heat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e The headline turn — blue-green leaves ignite to rich burgundy before dropping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tidy, fine-twigged low mound that disappears under snow; hardy to -40°F, zero protection needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/karl-foerster-feather-reed-grass\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — the body's own pick: upright golden plumes behind the blue mound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/glow-girl-spirea\"\u003eGlow Girl Spirea\u003c\/a\u003e — gold foliage for a striking blue-gold spirea pairing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dakota-sunspot-potentilla\"\u003eDakota Sunspot Potentilla\u003c\/a\u003e — golden flowers from early summer to frost after the lacecaps finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-star-juniper\"\u003eBlue Star Juniper\u003c\/a\u003e — a steel-blue evergreen that echoes the foliage color year-round.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Double Play Blue Kazoo Spirea Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fit for sunny borders, foundation beds, and pollinator plantings in clay or average soil where deer pressure is high — it's one of the most deer-proof flowering shrubs you can plant. Not a fit for shady beds: without 6+ hours of sun the blue foliage dulls, bloom thins, and the burgundy fall show fades.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54148898292017,"sku":"S2489","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Double_play_blue_kazoo_spirea_2_1b31776e-3ff8-40b9-aec3-f0cff7772b80.jpg?v=1778267218","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/double-play-blue-kazoo-spirea","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}