Double Play Doozie Spirea

Double Play Doozie® Spirea – Care Guide

Overview

• Botanical Name: Spiraea x ‘NCSX2’ (PP# 30,953) 

• Common Name: Double Play Doozie® Spirea

• Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8, so it’s very well suited for Zone 3. 

• Mature Size: Approx 2‑3 ft tall by 2‑3 ft wide (≈ 60‑90 cm each direction) in a neat mound. 

• Bloom Time & Features:

  • Continuous, prolific blooms from late spring all the way to frost thanks to being a seedless (sterile) cultivar. 

  • Flower colour: vibrant red‑pink / hot‑pink‑red clusters. 

  • Foliage emerges red or purple‑red in spring, then matures to green. 

• Attributes: Low‑maintenance, deer resistant, non‑invasive (sterile) shrub. 

Sun & Site Requirements

• Sunlight: Best in full sun (6+ hours daily) for richest flower display. It will tolerate part sun (4‑6 hours) but bloom performance may reduce. 

• Soil: Very adaptable. It prefers well‑drained soil and performs well in various types — from loam to clay — as long as drainage is adequate. 

• Spacing: Allow spacing about 2‑3 ft (60‑90 cm) apart for individual specimens, or slightly closer for a continuous planting or low hedge. 

Planting & Maintenance

• Planting: Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Set the plant level with the surrounding soil. Water in well and apply a light mulch. 

• Watering:

  • During the first growing season: keep soil evenly moist while establishing.

  • Once established: average water needs; drought tolerant for periods. 

• Mulching: Apply 2‑3 cm of organic mulch around base (keeping mulch away from the stems) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilizing: A light application of balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring is sufficient.

• Pruning:

  • After the first big flush of flowers (late spring), you can lightly trim to remove spent flowers and encourage a second flush. 

  • Every couple of years: remove the oldest woody stems at ground level to maintain vigor and shape. 

Cold Climate / Zone 3 Notes

• This spirea is rated for Zone 3, making it a reliable choice for your climate. 

• Because of its compact size and continuous bloom, it works especially well in front‑of‑border plantings, foundation beds, or as accent shrubs in prairie landscapes.

• Ensure a sunny, well‑drained site: in heavy clay soils typical of prairie zones, consider amending soil or selecting a slightly raised bed to avoid excessive moisture in winter.

Landscape Uses & Benefits

• Excellent for mass plantings (for a sea of red‑pink blooms), low hedges, foundation planting, or mixed beds.

• Its long bloom season and colourful foliage make it a standout in gardens where persistent colour is desired.

• Deer resistant, making it good for landscapes with wildlife pressure.

• Because it remains compact, it's suitable for smaller gardens or tight spaces where larger shrubs might overwhelm.

Photo from Proven Winners