Maintenance Landscaping Design

Tor birchleaf spirea is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern Asia. It is a member of the rose family and can grow to be 6-8 feet tall. The leaves are ovate and have toothed margins. The flowers are white and borne in clusters. The fruit is a dry, brown capsule.

Also called

• Goatberry
  
• Currant
  
• Serviceberry
  
• Saskatoon
  
• Nannyberry

Basic info

• Birchleaf spirea is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  
• It is part of the rose family and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  
• The leaves are ovate shaped and have a toothed margin.
  
• The flowers are small and white, blooming in clusters in late spring to early summer.
  
• The fruit is a small, dark-colored drupe.
  
• Birchleaf spirea prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  
• It is relatively low maintenance and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
  
• The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  
• It is often used as a ornamental plant in gardens or landscaping.
  
• Birchleaf spirea can be susceptible to various diseases and pests, such as powdery mildew, aphids, and scale.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

1. For tor birchleaf spirea, first step is to find a sunny location.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil by loosening it and adding some organic matter.
   
3. The third step is to take your plant and dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant's root ball.
   
4. The fourth step is to place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil.
   
5. The fifth step is to water the plant well.
   
6. The sixth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the plant.
   
7. The seventh step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring.
   
8. The eighth step is to fertilize the plant in early spring.
   
9. The ninth step is to deadhead the plant as needed.
   
10. The tenth step is to enjoy your beautiful tor birchleaf spirea!

Related plant:
White Chiffon Rose Of Sharon

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Tor Birchleaf Spirea prefers well-drained soil, but will also tolerate clay or sand. The plant is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions, but does best in moist, well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of salt.

About light

So, like the other spirea bushes, thetor birchleaf spirea require full sun to partial sun. They prefer well-drained, moist soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types as long as it is not waterlogged. Be sure to provide plenty of room for this bush to grow, as it can spread up to 8 feet wide.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the tor birchleaf spirea is a temperature that is cool to cold. This plant does not tolerate heat well and will not grow in temperatures that are too warm. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60 percent. If the humidity level drops below 40 percent, the leaves will start to drop off. If the humidity level rises above 60 percent, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant is undemanding and quite tolerant of poor soil, but still benefits from being fertilized in early spring. A general-purpose fertilizer will suffice. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the foliage to prevent leaf scorch. Because of its suckering habit, it is best to apply the fertilizer to the root area only.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is generally not necessary for tor Birchleaf spirea, as it is a naturally tidy shrub. However, if you wish to tidy it up or control its size, you can trim it after it blooms in late spring or early summer. Simply cut back the stems that have flowered, to just above where new growth is emerging.

About Propagating

Propagation is normally done by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the tips of the current year's growth in late spring or early summer. Hardwood cuttings can be taken from well-established plants in late fall or early winter.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. In the wild, these plants can grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) per year. But when grown in the home landscape, they typically grow only 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and anthracnose. These can all be controlled with proper fungicide application. Another problem that can occur is leaf spot, which is caused by a variety of fungi. This can be controlled with proper fungicide application as well.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly.
  
• Apply mulch to the soil around your plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  
• Fertilize your plant once every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best growth.
  
• Be sure to provide adequate drainage for your plant.
  
• Protect your plant from severe weather conditions.
  
• Insects and diseases can be a problem for birchleaf spirea, so be sure to check your plant regularly and take appropriate measures to control these pests.
  
• Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and promote new growth.
  
• With proper care, your birchleaf spirea will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms for many years to come.

Related Plants

• Torilis arvensis (tor-horse-creeper, hedge-parsley, common bird's-foot, and earth-star)
  
• Torilis canescens (hoary-knotgrass, hoary torilis, and misletoe)
  
• Torilis divaricata (divaricated torilis, spreading hedge-parsley, and hedgenettle)
  
• Torilis elongata (long-beaked torilis, longbeaked hedgeparsley, and giant bird's-foot)
  
• Torilis japonica (Japanese knotweed and Asian knotweed)
  
• Torilis leptophylla (slender torilis, slender hedge-parsley, and small bird's-foot)
  
• Torilis nodosa (knotted torilis, knotted hedge-parsley,

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'
Free Tor EDU Event Series Aims to Demystify Publishing
Tor, What Is It Good For - cyberTAP Blog - Purdue University