How to Grow Limemound Spirea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Limemound spirea is a low-growing, deciduous shrub that produces an abundance of small, white flowers in early to midsummer. The flowers are borne on arching stems which are covered with dark green leaves. This plant is native to Korea and Japan and was introduced into North America in the late 1800s.

How to Grow Limemound Spirea - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Limemound
  • Bridalwreath Spirea
  • Vanhoutte Spirea
  • Doublefile Spirea
  • Thunberg Spirea

Things to Know

  • Also known as lime spirea, this easy-to-grow shrub is perfect for adding color and interest to your landscape.
  • A native of China and Korea, limemound spirea was introduced to North America in the early 1900s.
  • This shrub is noted for its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including both dry and wet soils.
  • Limemound spirea typically grows to 3-4 feet in height and width, although some specimens can reach up to 6 feet tall.
  • The glossy green leaves of limemound spirea turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.
  • White or pinkish flowers bloom in late spring or early summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
  • Limemound spirea is disease- and pest-resistant, making it a low-maintenance plant for the home landscape.
  • This shrub is relatively drought-tolerant once established, although it does prefer regular watering during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
  • Limemound spirea can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
  • Limemound spirea is an excellent choice for hedges, foundation plantings, and mass plantings. It can also be used as a specimen plant or in mixed shrub borders.

Growing Steps

  1. For limemound spirea, first step is to find a location that has full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  2. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to help with drainage if needed.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant's root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp down.
  6. Water the plant deeply to help settle the roots.
  7. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, but be sure to keep it away from the stems.
  8. Prune limemound spirea in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  9. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the limemound spirea prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soils, but it is quite tolerant of a wide range of soils except for poorly-drained, heavy clay soils. This plant also prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, but it is tolerant of slightly acidic soils.

Light condition

Like the other spirea, the limemound spirea (Spiraea japonica "Limemound") is a deciduous shrub that's easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. It's a tough plant that's tolerant of poor soil, drought and even some light shade. The shrub reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and wide at maturity.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the limemound spirea is one that is cool and moist. This plant does not do well in hot and dry conditions. The best time to plant this spirea is in the spring or early fall when the temperatures are cooler.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. However, it can tolerate a range of 40-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this plant needs, should contain, a good amount of phosphorus in it because that is what, helps the plant to produce, an abundance of beautiful flowers. The roots of the plant, will grow best, in moist soil that is not too wet and not too dry.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Limemound Spirea healthy and looking its best. This shrub can be pruned in early spring or late fall. For the best results, use sharp pruning shears and make sure to cut at an angle so that water can drain off the cuts.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from young, actively growing shoots and be about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cutting into a well-drained potting mix. Firm the mix around the cutting and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Rooting should occur within 4 to 6 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When new growth appears, begin feeding with a balanced fertilizer. After the danger of frost has passed, harden off the plant by gradually acclimating it to outdoor conditions. Once acclimated, plant in a prepared bed in full sun.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. This is especially when the shrub is young and continues to to produce new growth each year. The average height and width of an adult plant is between 3 and 4 feet.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. If you see any of these problems on your plant, you should treat it immediately. Powdery mildew is a white powder that covers the leaves of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that appears on the leaves. Rust is a red or orange powder that appears on the leaves.

Growing Tips

  • If you are growing limemound spirea in a pot, make sure it is at least 18 inches wide and has drainage holes.
  • Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
  • Place the plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant as needed to shape it and control its size.
  • Limemound spirea is generally a low-maintenance plant, but watch for pests and diseases.
  • If you live in an area with a short growing season, you can grow limemound spirea as an annual.
  • To propagate limemound spirea, take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer

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Source:
Spiraea japonica 'Limemound' habit: UIPLANTS
Spiraea thunbergii - North Carolina State University
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' - North Carolina State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category