How to Grow Spiraea X Arguta - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Spiraea x arguta is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-8’ tall with a slightly larger spread. It is an upright, mounded shrub with many arching stems. It features oval, toothed, dark green leaves and clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in early to mid summer.

How to Grow Spiraea X Arguta - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Cutleaf Meadow-sweet
  • Arrowwood Spiraea
  • Van Houtte's Spiraea
  • Wedding Wreath
  • Columbine Spiraea

Basic info

  • Spiraea x arguta is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-8’ tall and to 8-10’ wide.
  • It is native to Japan and Korea.
  • It has elliptic to obovate, mid-green leaves that turn yellow to red in autumn.
  • White flowers bloom in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) in late spring to early summer.
  • Flowers are followed by spherical, red fruit.
  • Fruit is attractive to birds.
  • Spiraea x arguta is best grown in full sun in moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but does not tolerate wet soils.
  • It is generally pest and disease free.
  • Pruning is best done after flowering.

Related plant:
Spiraea Grefsheim

Planting Process

  1. For spiraea x arguta, first step is to grow the plant in full sun to partial shade.
  2. The next step is to provide well-drained soil.
  3. Then, water the plant regularly.
  4. After that, fertilize the plant once a month.
  5. Next, prune the plant in late winter or early spring.
  6. Another step is to deadhead the plant regularly.
  7. Then, divide the plant every 3 to 4 years.
  8. Next, watch for pests and diseases.
  9. Another step is to propagate the plant by seed or division.
  10. Finally, enjoy your spiraea x arguta plant!

Related plant:
Spiraea Vanhouttei

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Spiraea x arguta prefers well-drained, sandy loams with a high organic matter content. However, it is adaptable to a range of soils, including clay soils. The plants are tolerant of drought and salt.

Light requirement

Just like other shrubs, the spiraea x arguta requires full sun in order to thrive. This means that it should be planted in an area of the garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While the plant is tolerant of some shade, it will produce fewer flowers if it doesn't get enough sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Spiraea X Arguta is it can survive in both hot and cold weather conditions. This plant is known to be a hardy plant and can grow in various types of soil. The plant can also tolerate drought conditions and can grow to be about 6 feet tall.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the relative humidity is too low, the leaves will lose moisture and begin to drop. If the relative humidity is too high, the leaves will also begin to drop.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant needs something that is high in phosphorus. This is because the plant is really good at taking up this type of nutrient. The roots of the plant are also really good at taking up nutrients, so you want to make sure that the fertilizer you use has a good balance of phosphorus and other nutrients.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your spiraea x arguta healthy and looking its best. It encourages new growth and helps to control the shape and size of the plant. When pruning spiraea x arguta, it's important to wait until late winter or early spring. This will give the plant time to recover from any winter damage before new growth begins.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is easy from seed or softwood cuttings and division in early spring. Shrubs grown from seed tend to have a more compact habit than those grown from cuttings. To propagate from seed, sow in a cold frame in early spring. To propagate from softwood cuttings, take 6-8 inch cuttings from new growth in early to mid-summer and root in a sand and peat mixture. Shrubs can also be divided in early spring.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet per year. Some plants may grow more quickly, while others may grow more slowly. Factors that can affect a plant's growth rate include the amount of sunlight it receives, the type of soil it is grown in, and the amount of water it receives.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can be caused by different fungi or bacteria and can lead to discoloration and premature leaf drop. Prevention is the best control, so start with healthy plants and avoid overhead watering.

List to Know

  • Remember to keep the spiraea x arguta plant evenly moist throughout the growing season.
  • Fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant annually to shape it and control its size.
  • Protect the plant from strong winds to prevent breakage.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat immediately if necessary.
  • Make sure the plant receives enough sunlight each day.
  • transplant the plant to a larger pot or garden bed as needed.
  • Divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy and promote new growth.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the spiraea x arguta plant all season long!

You May Like

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  • – spiraea x japonica
  • – spiraea x salicifolia

Source:
Spirea | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson University
Spirea, Mellow Yellow
Propagation of Spiraea - North Dakota State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category