Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
As a compact shrub, the Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea is hugely versatile in its use. Forming a mass of attractive foliage that is burgundy when young and green when it matures, it remains less than four feet when fully grown. In late spring, it produces a dazzling array of pink flowers, which are loved by pollinators and can even rebloom over the summer months. Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea is a tough and hardy shrub that is low maintenance.
Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea is deer resistant and suitable for rural landscapes. A deciduous shrub, it dies back over winter before new growth appears in spring. It is exceptionally cold hardy and can grow well in zones 4 to 9. Due to its compact form, Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea is suitable for growing in beds or borders, or even a large container.
Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea Care
For the best blooms, plant Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea in full sun. It can, however, tolerate some partial shade. Spireas hate wet feet so a free-draining, but fertile soil is recommended. On planting and until established, water this shrub regularly. Once this shrub has settled its roots in, it can tolerate some drought, but prefers its soil to be kept moist. Although it is a light feeder, a slow-release, general fertilizer can be applied in early spring to encourage a mass of flowers.
After flowering, the Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea can be lightly cut back to the next set of leaves. In winter, any dead stems can be removed, and the plant can be cut back harder if necessary, ready to produce new growth in spring.
Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea Spacing
Over time, the Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea can reach a maximum of 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide. If planting more than one out as a group a spacing of 3 to 4 feet is recommended between plants. If growing this spirea in a planter, a pot size of 8 inches wider than its current root ball is advisable.
Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Pink
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Deep Burgundy Against Blue-Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea
- Botanical Name
- Spiraea jap. Empire Ice Dragon™
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!