{"product_id":"first-editions-superstar-spirea","title":"First Editions Superstar Spirea","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Compact Reblooming Spirea That Flowers All Summer\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperstar Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Denistar') is a compact reblooming spirea — pink flowers from early summer through Minnesota's first hard frost. Whether you are tucking color into a small Edina foundation bed, edging a Plymouth walkway, or filling a St. Paul container — Superstar gets the job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFirst Editions Superstar 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 japonica 'Denistar'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst Editions Superstar 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\u003eBright pink flower clusters all summer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFirst Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar Spirea and similar shrubs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact reblooming spirea — flowers from June through frost. This makes it a strong choice when you want pink-flower, reblooming, compact in a Minnesota-tested plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill First Editions Superstar 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. First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar 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 First Editions Superstar Spirea bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright pink flower clusters all summer\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 Superstar Spirea Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a walkway edge, low hedge, or front-of-bed mass, space Superstar \u003cstrong\u003e2 feet apart\u003c\/strong\u003e (within its 2–3 ft mature spread):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (2 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn mixed beds, groups of 3–5 at 2 feet apart give a continuous pool of summer-long pink; a single plant suits a container or tight entry corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuperstar Spirea Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage emerges with a colorful flush and mounds up quickly into a tidy dome by late May.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The headline act — bright pink flower clusters from June onward, rebloooming straight through to frost; a quick midsummer shear refreshes the show and keeps bees coming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers keep going as foliage turns warm late-season tones — one of the longest bloom windows of any zone 4 shrub.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e A neat, low twiggy mound that disappears under snow and shrugs off -40°F; an early-spring cutback by ⅓ sets up the next season.\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\/first-editions-pink-sparkler-birchleaf-spirea\"\u003eFirst Editions Pink Sparkler Birchleaf Spirea\u003c\/a\u003e — a native-derived sibling with bigger fall fire for the row behind.\u003c\/li\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 pairing pick; vertical plumes above the low pink mound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldfinger-potentilla\"\u003eGoldfinger Potentilla\u003c\/a\u003e — matching size and toughness with bright yellow bloom all summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/darkstar-ninebark\"\u003eDarkstar Ninebark\u003c\/a\u003e — dark burgundy native backdrop that makes nonstop pink bloom glow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Superstar Spirea Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperstar wants full sun (6+ hours) and ordinary well-drained soil — in return you get pink bloom from June to frost, near-total deer resistance, drought toughness, and a 2–3 foot size that fits walkway edges, foundation fronts, and containers. Not a fit for soggy low spots or shady beds — bloom thins fast without sun, so save those corners for a dogwood or hydrangea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54148898423089,"sku":"S2794","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/First_edition_superstar_spirea_2_38300fc3-f3ae-4d83-9de8-5a67bd4b2dd5.jpg?v=1778267221","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/first-editions-superstar-spirea","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}