Spirea bush is a plant that is usually found in gardens. it has small, white flowers that bloom in the springtime. the plant is easy to take care of, and it is a popular choice for gardeners.
Popular name
- S. aruncus - Japanese spirea, wedding wreath spirea
- S. japonica - Japanese spiraea, alpine spiraea
- S. douglasii - hardhack, steeplebush
- S. hypolais - subalpine spirea
- S. x superba - bridal wreath spirea
Basic info
- Spirea bush is a deciduous shrub that is native to Asia.
- It is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.
- Spirea bush has showy flowers that come in various colors including white, pink, and red.
- The flowers blooming time typically lasts from mid to late spring.
- Spirea bush is easy to grow and is relatively low maintenance.
- It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
- Spirea bush can reach a height of 3-4 feet and a width of 4-6 feet.
- It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
- Spirea bush is generally tolerant to drought and deer.
- It is susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and aphids.
Related plant:
Spirea Japonica Anthony Waterer
How to Grow
- For spirea bush, first step is to plant the bush in a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
- Spirea bush prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur to lower the pH.
- Spirea bush does not tolerate salt well, so avoid planting it too close to the ocean or in areas where de-icing salt is used in the winter.
- Spirea bush is a fast-growing bush, so you will need to provide it with some additional nutrients for optimal growth. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the planting hole at the time of planting, and then once per year in the spring as new growth begins.
- Spirea bush is a moderate water user, so water it regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant.
- Spirea bush does not require pruning, but you can trim it back in late winter or early spring to shape it as desired.
- Spirea bush is susceptible to a few different diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These can be avoided by planting in well-drained soil and providing adequate air circulation around the plant.
- Spirea bush is also attractive to a few different types of pests, including aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles. These can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spirea bush is a deciduous bush, so it will lose its leaves in the fall and then regrow them in the spring.
- Spirea bush is a beautiful plant that can add color and interest to your garden. It can be used as a foundation plant, border plant, or even a specimen plant.
Soil Condition
About soil condition, spirea bushes like soil that is moist but well-drained. They prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Adding organic matter to the soil will help to hold moisture and provide nutrients for the plant. If the soil is too alkaline, it can be amended with sulfur.
Light requirement
Just like other plants, spirea bushes need sunlight to grow. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day to stay healthy. If they don't get enough sunlight, they will start to wilt and their leaves will turn yellow.
Ideal Temperature
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the spirea bush is one that is cool and sunny. This plant grows best in areas that have a lot of sunlight and a moderate amount of rainfall. The spirea bush can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot and humid to cold and dry.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will become dormant. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will drop and the plant will become stressed.
The Fertilizer
Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need it more than once a year. A light feeding in the spring is usually all that's necessary. If you do fertilize, use a light hand and a fertilizer meant for flowering shrubs. With regard to the roots, they are generally quite tough and undemanding. Spirea can tolerate a fair amount of abuse, including poor soil, heat, and drought.
Light requirement
Pruning your spirea bush is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best. bushes can become overgrown and leggy if they are not pruned on a regular basis. When pruning your spirea bush, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also trim back any branches that are growing out of bounds.
The Propagation
Propagation is best done in early spring from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and should be around 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long. The bottom of the cutting should be cut just below a node (a node is where the leaves are attached to the stem) and the top of the cutting should have 2-3 sets of leaves. The cutting should be placed in moistened potting mix and then placed in a warm, brightly lit location but out of direct sunlight. Once the cutting has rooted, which should take 4-6 weeks, it can then be transplanted into its permanent location.
Growth Rate
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 12 and 24 inches per year. However, some spirea bushes can grow much faster, up to 36 inches per year. The fastest growing spirea bush is the Japanese spirea bush, which can grow up to 6 feet per year.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rust. These diseases are caused by fungi and can be controlled with fungicides. The best time to apply fungicides is in the early spring before the plant begins to leaf out.
Basics of Growing
- Do not forget to water your spirea bush regularly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize your spirea bush every month during the growing season.
- Prune your spirea bush annually to encourage new growth.
- Place your spirea bush in an area that receives full sun for best results.
- Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat immediately if any are found.
- Do not over-water your spirea bush as this can lead to root rot.
- Mulch around your spirea bush to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
- Stake taller varieties of spirea bush to prevent them from flopping over.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming.
- Enjoy the colorful blooms of your spirea bush all season long!
Substitution
- Spiraea Japonica Golden Princess
- Spirea Japonica Daisyshine
- Spirea Japonica Goldflame
- Spirea Japonica Mellow yellow
- Spirea Japonica Magic Carpet
- Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer
- Spirea Japonica Firelight
- Spirea Japonica Goldmound
- Spirea Japonica Double Play Gold
- Spirea Japonica Goldmound
Source:
Simply Spirea | Arnold Arboretum
Spirea/Hardhack - The North Creek Wetland - UW Bothell
SNOWMOUND SPIREA - SPIREA NIPPONICA 'SNOWMOUND' - trees.umn.edu
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
