How to Grow Spiraea Bumalda - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Spiraea bumalda is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, native to east asia (china, japan, korea). it grows to 2–3 m (7–10 ft) tall and wide, with opposite, ovate leaves 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) broad. the flowers are produced in corymbs 5–15 cm (2–6 in) across, each flower 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) diameter with five white petals. the fruit is a dry, brown achene.

How to Grow Spiraea Bumalda - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Pigeonberry
  • American spirea
  • Bridalwreath
  • Burningbush
  • Summer-fir

Good to Know

  • Spiraea bumalda is a herbaceous, deciduous shrub native to Eastern Asia.
  • It is commonly known as the bridalwreath spiraea or the double-flowered spiraea.
  • It grows to a height of 1-5 m and has a spread of up to 2 m.
  • The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape and are arranged in opposite pairs. They are dark green in colour with a toothed margin.
  • The flowers are white or pink in colour and are borne in corymbs at the ends of the branches.
  • The fruit is a brown, four-lobed capsule.
  • The shrub is tolerant of a wide range of soils and requires little maintenance.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parklands.
  • It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • It is a host plant for the larvae of several moth species.

Related plant:
Spiraea Grefsheim

How to Grow

  1. For spiraea bumalda, first step is to choose a location. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or other vegetation.
  3. Once the area is prepared, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  6. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  7. Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
  8. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth.
  9. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful spiraea bumalda!

Related plant:
Spiraea X Vanhouttei

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, spiraea bumalda can grow in various soil but well-drained soil is good for its growth. It prefers full sun but tolerates some shade too. If the soil is too heavy, it can result in poor drainage and cause the plant to succumb to root rot.

About light

Not too different with other spiraea plants, Spiraea bumalda needs full sun to partial sun to maintain itsanofficinalis), full sun is required to produce the highest number of flowers. If this plant does not receive enough sun then it will not produce as many blossoms. The plant can grow in partial shade, but it will not flower as often. Spiraea bumalda is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. This plant is native to East Asia, specifically China and Japan.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for spiraea bumalda growth is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant prefers moist soils and does not tolerate drought well. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to wilt and the plant will go into dormancy.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity level drops below 40%, the leaves will begin to turn brown and crispy. If the humidity level rises above 50%, the leaves will begin to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant prefers a 10-10-10 fertilizer with micronutrients. The amount of fertilizer will depend on the size of the plant. For a small plant, use 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer. For a medium size plant, use 1 teaspoon of fertilizer. For a large plant, use 1 tablespoon of fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer into the soil around the plant, being careful not to get any on the leaves. Water the plant well after applying fertilizer. The roots of the spiraea bumalda are shallow and spread out. They prefer moist, well-drained soil. If the soil is too dry, the roots will not be able to absorb enough water and nutrients. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

About light

Pruning your Spiraea bumalda regularly will encourage fresh growth and maintain its compact shape. To prune, simply cut back any shoots that are longer than you’d like them to be. You can prune in early spring or late summer/early fall.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by rooting softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free stems. Before planting, strip off the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the pot in bright indirect light and wait for the cuttings to take root, which usually takes 4-8 weeks. Once the roots are established, transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate occurs in the spring and summer. However, the plant can grow and bloom sporadically throughout the year in warm climates. The plant produces pink or white flowers. It can grow to a height of 6 feet and a width of 8 feet.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. These can be controlled with fungicides. Other problems include aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles. These can be controlled with insecticides.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your spiraea bumalda in an area that receives full sun.
  • Spiraea bumalda prefers well-drained soil.
  • When watering your plant, be sure to water at the base of the plant and not overhead.
  • Fertilize your spiraea bumalda once a month during the growing season.
  • To encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the tips of the stems.
  • Once spiraea bumalda begins to bloom, deadhead the spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
  • If you live in an area with deer, you may want to consider applying a deer repellent to your plant.
  • Spiraea bumalda is generally a low-maintenance plant, but you may want to prune it back in late winter to early spring to shape it.
  • This plant can be propagated by rooting stem cut

Alternative Plants

  • Spiraea chamaedrifolia (spiraea chamaedrifolia)
  • Spiraea densiflora (spiraea densiflora)
  • Spiraea discolour (spiraea discolour)
  • Spiraea douglasii (spiraea douglasii)
  • Spiraea elegans (spiraea elegans)
  • Spiraea fritschiana (spiraea fritschiana)
  • Spiraea gilgiana (spiraea gilgiana)
  • Spiraea gigantea (spiraea gigantea)
  • Spiraea glabra (spiraea glabra)
  • Spiraea gracilis (spiraea gracilis)

Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Spirea x bumalda - Bumalds spirea
Bumald Spirea (Spiraea x bumalda)
Species: Spiraea x bumalda - woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category