Spiraea japonica RICK STAR

A compact, dense shrub with a rounded, mounded habit, green foliage, and pink flowers, reaching approximately 30–40 cm in height. The leaves are green, sharply pointed, and serrated along the margins, with good resistance to powdery mildew. The flowers are deep pink and borne in flat-topped clusters. They appear abundantly at the tips of current-season shoots in June and July, creating a striking ornamental display. From cuttings, the plant can be grown into a ready-to-sell product within a 3 months. It is an undemanding shrub with average soil requirements and performs best in full sun. The cultivar is frost hardy and is recommended for home gardens as well as urban landscaping. It is well suited for flower beds, rock gardens, borders, and container cultivation on patios and terraces. The cultivar also carries a personal meaning. It commemorates Rick, the breeder’s nineteen-year-old neighbor who tragically lost his life in an accident. ‘Rick Star’ symbolizes his energy, strength, and joy of life, qualities reflected in the plant’s vibrant and profuse flowering. Hardiness zone: 4 (–34 to –29°C).

Cultivar denomination: ‘JW1’ ^PBR

Breeder: Jos Willemsen, The Netherlands

Year of market introduction: 2025

Applicant: NL PLANTS BV, Lentsebaan 1, 4884 MN Wernhout, The Netherlands