Overview
Uses: Borders, edging, foundation plantings, mass plantings, containers.
Benefits: Unique purple flowers contrast boldly against vivid chartreuse foliage for a color combination unlike any other spirea. New growth emerges fiery orange-red in spring before maturing to bright golden-yellow, delivering three seasons of foliage color before the first flower opens. Compact, mounding habit stays neat without pruning and adapts to a wide range of soils including clay.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Mounding, Rounded — compact bun-shaped form.
Bloom Color: Purple to Pink
Foliage Color: Chartreuse, with orange-red new growth in spring
Mature Height: 18–30 inches
Mature Width: 18–30 inches
Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Double Play Dolly® Spirea rewrites expectations for what a compact flowering shrub can deliver. The show begins weeks before the first flower opens, as spring foliage emerges in blazing orange-red tones that gradually transition to vivid chartreuse — giving the entire plant a glowing presence in the border.
When the flowers arrive in late spring, they take the display to another level. Electric purple blooms cluster across the top of the foliage, creating a color combination that is genuinely unlike anything else in the spirea family. The purple-on-chartreuse contrast is bold enough to anchor a planting from across the garden, yet the plant itself stays compact at just 18 to 30 inches tall and wide.
Part of the Proven Winners® Double Play® series, Dolly blooms on new wood and can rebloom later in the season with light trimming. It is deer resistant, drought tolerant once established, and adapts to clay, loam, and sandy soils without complaint. The naturally tidy mounding habit means minimal pruning is ever needed.
Care
Double Play Dolly® Spirea Care
Plant in full sun for the most vibrant foliage color and heaviest bloom. Partial sun (4 to 6 hours) is tolerated but may reduce flower intensity and foliage brightness. Double Play Dolly® adapts to a wide range of soil types including clay, as long as drainage is adequate. Avoid consistently wet sites.
Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, this spirea is drought tolerant and needs supplemental water only during extended dry periods. Fertilization is rarely necessary. In lean soils, a light spring application of slow release fertilizer supports healthy growth.
Double Play Dolly® blooms on new wood. If desired, give it a light trim after the first flush of bloom to encourage a reflush of bright red new growth and potential rebloom. Every couple of years, remove the oldest, woodiest stems to keep growth fresh and vigorous. No deadheading is required.
Size
What Size is the Double Play Dolly® Spirea for Sale Online?
Our Double Play Dolly® Spirea ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Double Play Dolly® Spirea Grow?
Double Play Dolly® reaches 18 to 30 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming a compact, rounded mound that fits easily at the front of borders and in containers.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Double Play Dolly® Spirea?
The botanical name is Spiraea japonica ‘SMNSJSA’ (PP35032). It is part of the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs collection.
What makes Double Play Dolly® different from other spireas?
Double Play Dolly® is the first spirea to combine purple flowers with chartreuse foliage. Most spireas produce pink or red flowers against green or gold leaves. The purple-on-chartreuse contrast is a genuinely new color combination for the genus. Browse more in our Proven Winners® collection.
Is Double Play Dolly® Spirea deer resistant?
Yes. Spirea is highly deer resistant and rarely browsed. Double Play Dolly® is a dependable option for gardens with deer pressure. Explore our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens collection for more options.
Can Double Play Dolly® be grown in containers?
Yes. Its compact size and vibrant foliage make it an excellent container plant for patios and entryways. Use a well-drained potting mix and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
