Spiraea japonica Odessa

The Spiraea japonica  'Odessa' is an adorable dwarf selection of the Japanese Spirea, perfectly suited for border planting, terraces, and small gardens. This small, well-groomed bush, in the form of a cushion, has a long and generous summer flowering in very pink corymbs that retains their colour well. The seeds of this spirea, gathered in heads, extend the decorative interest at the end of the season. Its foliage, composed of small dark green leaves, often takes on interesting autumnal colours. It is also a hardy plant, not very susceptible to diseases, adapting to almost all soils, to be installed in full sun or partial shade. 

The 'Odessa' Japanese Spirea belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a recent Dutch horticultural selection characterised by compact growth and increased floribundance. The botanical species from which it originates, the Japanese Spirea, is native to China and Japan. The growth of this Odessa cultivar is slow, and its size at the age of 4 years will reach about 35 cm (14in) in height and 40 cm (16in) in width. Ultimately, it should not exceed 55-60 cm (22-24in) in height and 70 cm (28in) in spread. Forming a low, dome-shaped bush, this variety is particularly spreading. Its foliage consists of small oblong and serrated leaves, green, margined with purple. These deciduous leaves fall in autumn. The flowers, produced abundantly, appear from June to September, at the end of the current year's shoots. They are grouped in numerous, small terminal corymbs. Their colour is a bright and fresh pink. This flowering attracts many butterflies, bees, and bumblebees.

With its compact and very low habit, this Japanese spirea is ideal for forming the framework of a perennial bed or creating large borders. Pair it with Caryopteris, white, pink or mauve ground cover roses, perennial geraniums, dwarf abelias, or even lavender. This bush will be perfect in front of taller shrub beds or along pathways. You can place it at the forefront of a countryside hedge, accompanied by other small-sized spireas (Spiraea betulifolia), dwarf red osier (Salix purpurea nana), dwarf Miss Kim Lilac, or even dwarf Weigela Nana purpurea. It will grow very well in containers or planters on patios and balconies, in conditions that are not too dry.