The ‘Anthony Plant’ (Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’) is a popular deciduous shrub valued for its vibrant blooms and adaptability. Gardeners appreciate this cultivar for its attractive appearance and straightforward care, making it a favored choice for adding consistent color to landscapes.
Understanding the Anthony Plant
The ‘Anthony Waterer’ spirea typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, forming a rounded, mounded shape. Its oval, sharply toothed foliage emerges reddish-purple in spring, transitions to blue-green, and often displays attractive reddish or burgundy fall colors.
This plant features distinctive flat-topped flower clusters (corymbs), 4 to 6 inches wide, in shades from rose-pink to carmine-red. Blooming from late spring through mid-summer, and sometimes sporadically into late summer, these vibrant blossoms provide extended color and attract butterflies.
Planting and Growing Conditions
For optimal flowering, plant ‘Anthony Waterer’ spirea in full sun (at least six hours daily). While it tolerates partial shade, blooms may be less prolific. Planting can occur in late winter to early spring or during the fall.
The plant adapts to a wide range of soil types but thrives in average, well-drained soils with medium moisture. It prefers rich, moist loams and performs well in slightly acidic to neutral pH conditions. Adequate moisture is important during the first growing season for root establishment. Once established, the ‘Anthony Waterer’ spirea is relatively drought-tolerant, usually needing supplemental watering only during prolonged dry periods. This cultivar is hardy across USDA zones 4 to 9.
Pruning the Anthony Plant
Pruning maintains the vigor and aesthetic appeal of ‘Anthony Waterer’ spirea. Since it blooms on new wood, the ideal time for routine pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth, or immediately after its main flowering period. This encourages new, bloom-producing stems. Deadheading spent flower clusters can also encourage additional summer blooms.
Pruning also maintains the plant’s rounded form and prevents it from becoming leggy or overgrown. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches at any time to preserve plant health. For shaping, cut back awkward stems to their origin and thin out the longest stems for a denser, more uniform appearance. Rejuvenation pruning, where all branches are cut back to within a few inches of the ground, can be performed every two to three years in late winter or early spring to revitalize an older or overgrown plant.
Common Problems and Solutions
While ‘Anthony Waterer’ spirea is generally resilient, it can encounter specific issues. It shows good resistance to many common pests and diseases, but may be susceptible to aphids, leaf rollers, and scale insects. Diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot can also affect spirea. Regular monitoring for early signs allows for timely intervention.
Fire blight is a notable disease that can affect spirea, causing blackening of branches and leaves, often with a ‘shepherd’s crook’ bend. If suspected, prune infected branches at least 8 inches below visible damage. Disinfect tools between cuts to prevent further spread. A lack of blooms might indicate insufficient sunlight, improper pruning (removing new wood), or a nutrient deficiency. Ensuring adequate sun, correct pruning, and an annual balanced fertilizer application in early spring can help resolve these issues.