
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 Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Pink |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Re-Bloom Throughout The Season |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Deep Burgundy Against Blue-Green |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Disease |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Empire® Ice Dragon™ Spirea |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Spiraea jap. Empire® Ice Dragon™ |
- SKU:
- 1231014351-pc
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

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees 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.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.