How to Grow Spiraea Snowmound - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Spiraea snowmound is a dense, mound-forming shrub that typically matures to 3-4’ tall and as wide. It is noted for its long-flowering period from late spring to early summer when it produces an abundance of small, five-petaled, white flowers borne in large, terminal corymbs. Each flower is only about 1/4” across, but the clusters (up to 10” across) of flowers are quite showy. Foliage is medium to dark green, ovate to lanceolate, and sharply-toothed. Leaves turn yellow in fall. Bark is brownish.

How to Grow Spiraea Snowmound - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • snowball
  • snowbrush
  • mountain spiraea
  • alpine spiraea
  • shrubby cinquefoil

Good to Know

  • Spiraea Snowmound is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  • It grows to be about 3-6 feet tall and 6-12 feet wide.
  • The leaves are dark green and oval shaped with serrated edges.
  • The flowers are white and grow in clusters. They bloom in late spring to early summer.
  • The fruit is a small, dark brown capsule.
  • Spiraea Snowmound is adaptable to various soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • It is a low maintenance plant and is relatively disease and pest resistant.
  • It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
  • It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • It is a good choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.

Related plant:
Spiraea Grefsheim

Growing Steps

  1. For spiraea snowmound, first step is to choose a planting site. This shrub prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have chosen the planting site, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. You may also want to loosen the soil with a shovel or tiller.
  3. To plant, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
  4. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down as you go.
  5. Water the shrub deeply immediately after planting.
  6. For the first year, water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  7. Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  8. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.
  9. This shrub is relatively pest and disease resistant, but watch for aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.
  10. Enjoy your spiraea snowmound for many years to come!

Related plant:
Spiraea Goldflame

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the Spiraea Snowmound prefers well-drained soil types, such as sandy or gravelly soils. It also does not tolerate flooding or extended saturated conditions. This plant is also fairly tolerant of drought once it is established.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, spirea snowmound needs sunlight to grow. However, too much sun can actually scorch the leaves, so it's important to find a balance. The plant does best in full sun to partial shade, meaning it needs at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a hot climate, afternoon shade is best to protect the plant from the harsh rays of the sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for spiraea snowmound is a cool climate. They will tolerate some heat, but they prefer cooler conditions. They will also do well in cold climates as long as they are protected from the wind.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% The spiraea snowmound plant does best in moderate humidity levels, around 50%. Too much humidity can lead to problems with fungal growth, while too little humidity can cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown. If the air in your home is too dry, you can raise the humidity level by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, or using a humidifier.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't require too much attention in that department. A light feeding in early spring is all that's needed to get it started on the right foot for the season. As for the roots, they're relatively compact and won't cause any problems in most lawns or gardens.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Spiraea Snowmound is essential to keeping it looking its best. You'll want to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to control the plant's size and shape. When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best accomplished through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous shoots that are about 6 to 8 inches in length. Cuttings should be made just below a leaf node, and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cutting should then be placed in a rooting medium, such as peat moss or sand, and kept moist until roots have developed and new growth appears.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about one foot per year. However, it can be faster or slower depending on growing conditions. The soil type, amount of sun, and amount of water all affect how fast this plant will grow.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with fungicides. However, the best way to control these diseases is to prevent them in the first place. This can be done by making sure the plant has plenty of space to breathe, and by keeping the leaves dry.

Basics of Growing

  • If you live in a colder climate, it is best to plant Spiraea Snowmound in the spring.
  • Choose a location that gets full sun to partial shade.
  • Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding some organic matter.
  • Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball.
  • Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole.
  • Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down gently.
  • Water the plant deeply.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the plant.
  • Prune Spiraea Snowmound in the late winter or early spring.
  • Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

You May Like

  • japanese snowball (viburnum plicatum).
  • european snowball (viburnum opulus).
  • green snowball (viburnum macrocephalum).
  • white snowball (viburnum x carlcephalum).
  • oakleaf hydrangea (hydrangea quercifolia).
  • ninebark (physocarpus capitatus).
  • american snowbell (styrax americanus).
  • royal snowdrop (galanthus reginae-olgae).
  • common snowbell (styrax obassia).
  • alpine snowdrop (galanthus nivalis).

Source:
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' - plantfacts.osu.edu
Snowmound Nippon Spirea (Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound')
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' habit: UIPLANTS

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category