{"product_id":"goldfire-spirea","title":"Goldflame Spirea","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Three-Season Color Spirea for Minnesota Borders\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoldfire Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Goldfire') puts on a three-season color show: orange-red new growth, gold summer foliage, and burgundy fall color, with hot-pink flowers on top. Whether you are brightening an Edina foundation bed, anchoring a Bloomington border, or adding pop to a Minneapolis pollinator garden — Goldfire gets the job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoldfire 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 'Goldfire'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGoldfire 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 × 3-4 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 in early-to-midsummer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoldfire 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 Goldfire 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 Goldfire 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 Goldfire 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 Goldfire Spirea and similar shrubs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree-season color: orange-red new growth, gold summer, burgundy fall. This makes it a strong choice when you want gold-foliage, pink-flower, fall-color in a Minnesota-tested plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Goldfire 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. Goldfire 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 Goldfire 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 Goldfire 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 Goldfire 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 Goldfire Spirea bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright pink flower clusters in early-to-midsummer\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 Goldfire Spirea Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a low hedge or foundation band, space Goldfire about 3 feet on center — at 3–4 ft mature width the mounds merge into one continuous run of color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRow Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (3 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\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\u003e7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13–14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a mixed border, plant drifts of 3 at the same spacing; a single plant makes a 4-ft three-season accent at a bed corner or entry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoldfire Spirea Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e New growth flushes vivid orange-red over the gold base — the \"fire\" in the name, and the shrub's most dramatic moment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage settles to warm gold, topped with bright pink flower clusters in early-to-midsummer that bees and butterflies work heavily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaves turn rich burgundy — the third act of its three-season color show.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e A low, twiggy dormant mound; cut back by a third in early spring and it rebuilds with a fresh orange-red flush.\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\/golden-mound-spirea\"\u003eGolden Mound Spirea\u003c\/a\u003e — a slightly lower, pure-gold spirea to step the border down in front of Goldfire.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldfinger-potentilla\"\u003eGoldfinger Potentilla\u003c\/a\u003e — big yellow flowers from early summer to frost, carrying color after the spirea's flush peaks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/fritsch-spirea\"\u003eFritsch Spirea\u003c\/a\u003e — a taller white-blooming spirea for the layer behind; its red fall color echoes Goldfire's burgundy.\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 border partner; vertical structure above the colorful mounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Goldfire Spirea Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's right for full-sun borders, foundation beds, and pollinator plantings in average or clay-loam soil — it handles drought, road-salt-adjacent boulevards, and heavy deer pressure with ease. It's not a fit for soggy ground or shady beds: in less than 6 hours of sun the orange-red flush and gold tones fade toward plain green and bloom thins out.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54148898455857,"sku":"S2780","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54179694739761,"sku":"S2770","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Gold_fire_spirea_2_51ec52b4-0306-4a0b-964f-e9836a7eb76b.jpg?v=1778267223","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/goldfire-spirea","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}