Glow Girl Birchleaf Spirea (Proven Winners)

Spiraea betulifolia ‘Glow Girl’

Glow Girl® Birchleaf Spirea is a compact, deciduous shrub with bright chartreuse-yellow foliage, white spring flowers, and stunning orange-red fall color. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, mass plantings, and low hedges in Southwest Saskatchewan. This variety is an improved version of Birchleaf Spirea, offering stronger resistance to leaf burn in full sun compared to other yellow-leaved varieties.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (extremely winter-hardy and well-suited to prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color and blooms in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid waterlogged soil—Glow Girl® Spirea does not tolerate excessive moisture.
• Spacing: 3-4 feet apart for mass planting, 4+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture, but ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage growth and flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to encourage fresh growth.
  • Trim back by one-third in early spring to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming and encourage a second flush.

Flowering & Foliage

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June)
• Flower Color: White, dome-shaped clusters
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Bright chartreuse-yellow leaves
  • Fall: Fiery orange-red foliage for seasonal contrast

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, drought, and urban pollution

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause yellowing or speckled leaves in dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Pruning in Late Winter: Cutting back in early spring will promote fresh, colorful growth in the new season.

Landscape Uses

Great for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings
Compact and low-maintenance—perfect for small gardens
Bright yellow foliage provides season-long color
Deer-resistant and adaptable to various soil types
Attracts butterflies and pollinators

Additional Notes:

• Glow Girl® Spirea is one of the best compact spirea varieties, offering multi-season interest with its bright foliage, white flowers, and fiery fall color.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in rock gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, or as a specimen shrub.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners