Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Spiraea are deciduous shrubs that grow quickly and are popular for their beautiful flowers in spring and summer. The flowers are produced in profusion, heads, or clusters of small blooms that are either white, pink, or purple. Sometimes, white-flowered spiraeas can be called a ‘bridal wreath’.
Many varieties of spiraea have brightly colored golden leaves. These are best when the leaves are still young and then turn yellow-green in the summer.
Can you Grow Spiraea Plants in pots?
You can grow them easily and make great shrubs for your garden border. However, they are not suitable for use in pots. The size of the plant varieties varies greatly. They can grow up to 45cm tall and wide, and as high as 2.4m in height. It is important to match the plant variety’s size with the site. Spiraeas can be grown easily and are very hardy.
Growing Spiraea Plant
When the plant is dormant, place it in a garden border. Mulch, feed and prune spiraea every year after flowering. Rejuvenating mature spireas can be done by selective pruning. In mid- to late summer, cut spiraeas.
Where To Grow Spiraea Plant
Plant spiraea in your garden borders with fertile, well-drained soil. Add well-rotted organic material before planting to improve poor soils. Your spiraea placement will depend on the size of your plant. Three plants of the smallest spiraeas will give you the best results. Avoid placing spiraeas in a prominent spot that is open all year.
How To Plant Spiraea
You can plant spiraeas during warm spells in winter or in the spring. As long as the plants are hydrated regularly, it is possible to plant while they are still in full growth. Place the root ball at the same level as the soil, then firm it in place. Water well to settle the soil.
How To Care For Spiraea
Spiraea is easy to care for once established. Other than pruning, it doesn’t require much attention. Spiraea can be grown year-round and does not require special winter care. A spring mulch made of well-rotted organic material will help to keep the soil and plant in good shape. After pruning, slow-release general fertilizer will increase growth.
Cut Back Spring-Flowering Spiraea
Prune immediately after flowering as next year’s blooms will be on summer shoots. Reduce the flowering shoots to strong, new growth and prune to one pair of buds.
Cut Back Late Summer-Flowering Spiraea
Spiraea japonica is one example of a species that blooms in the late summer. It does so on the same year’s growth. Reduce all early spring growth to 30cm below the ground. This encourages spiraeas to produce a lot of brightly-coloured young growth.
Pruning Of Older Spiraea Shrubs
Spiraeas develop dense, twiggy, congested growth. The shrub then grows large and has new growth only on the outside. Take out approximately 25% of the oldest stems close to the ground after several years. This allows light and air to enter the center, allowing for new growth.
How To Propagate Spiraea
Take the semi-ripe cuttings from non-flowering shoots in the middle to late summer. Some spiraeas produce spreading clumps. These shoots (called suckers), form roots at their base and you can separate and plant them.
Growing Spiraea: Problem Solving
You can grow spiraea in good soil and is easy to maintain. Powdery mildew can appear on leaves if you plant them in poor soil and it will affect the leaves, stems, flowers, and sometimes fruit of plants. There are many species, and some are specific to a single plant family.
Powdery mildew is characterized by white powdery fungus that spreads on leaves, stems and sometimes even flowers and fruits. They’re best prevented by growing your spiraea outdoors in full sunlight and watering regularly in dry conditions. Mulching around roots will preserve soil moisture and prevent infection. You should allow air to circulate among plants. Don’t place them too close together.
