how do you take care of a spirea bush

Spiraea Care

• Light. To achieve the best bloom production and foliage coloration, ensure that the shrub gets full sun.
• Soil. Spiraea prefers well-drained soil that has a neutral pH. ...
• Water. Keep newly planted Spiraea well-watered until they have established themselves. ...
• Temperature and Humidity. Spiraea can be winter hardy down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
• Fertilizer. ...

Full Answer

What is the life span for spirea shrub?

Spirea is known for being fast growers, and are a great choice if you are wanting a mature-looking garden quickly. If you take good care of your plants and provide them with proper care, you can expect established and mature plants within a couple of years.

How to rejuvenate prune Spirea shrubs?

Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Pruning Your Spirea Shrubs Download Article

1. Don’t be afraid to really cut back your plant. If you’re nervous about pruning, don’t worry—spireas can cope with a good pruning and it’s hard to be too brutal ...
2. Try to keep at least five buds on each stem. Try to cut each stem back so that it has around five buds on it.
3. Thin out your plant. ...
4. Remove any undesired suckers. ...
5. Prune your old, woody spirea. ...

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Where to plant Spirea?

Spirea makes an excellent foundation or specimen plant in the landscape, in mixed perennial beds, in larger groupings for edging or hedges, or planted en masse for a screen. Low-growing varieties make a nice addition to smaller gardens and are well-suited to borders, containers, groundcovers, low hedges along pathways and sidewalks, and rockeries.

Is there help for dying Spirea?

You should actually prune your spirea more than once a year, at least twice. Give it a good trim after it flowers in the spring by cutting back the tips of the stems to the top leaf bud. This removes the dead blossoms and also may trigger a second blooming and new leaf growth. You can also shape the shrub at this time.

When should spirea be cut back?

Japanese spirea should be tip pruned in late winter or early spring prior to bud swell and before the shrub leafs out. Also, at this time, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems along with those that cross each other. To keep spirea looking great and to promote blooming, trim the plant at least twice per year.

Are you supposed to cut back spirea?

You should actually prune your spirea more than once a year, at least twice. Give it a good trim after it flowers in the spring by cutting back the tips of the stems to the top leaf bud. This removes the dead blossoms and also may trigger a second blooming and new leaf growth. You can also shape the shrub at this time.

Should I cut my spirea to the ground?

To control the spirea's size and keep it blooming year after year, you should prune it back after blooming or when it's dormant in winter. If it's severely overgrown, cut it to the ground to rejuvenate the shrub.

How far back can you cut spirea bushes?

Fall Prune Trim back overgrown spireas or those that produced sparse foliage on the lower stems severely in fall after the foliage begins to fall off, to keep the shrubs shaped and compact. Cut back each stem to within 8 to 12 inches of the ground.

How do you fertilize spirea?

How to Fertilize SpireaStep 1 - Use around a pound of a slow release fertilizer per 100 square feet.Step 2 - Sprinkle the fertilizer around the root zone.Step 3 - Avoid getting fertilizer on the foliage. This can burn the plant.Step 4 - Water well after the application of fertilizer.

Does spirea bloom on old wood?

Bud Development. Spring-bloom spirea produce buds the year before they bloom, which means they blossom on old growth. These buds begin to set the autumn before they open. Meanwhile, summer-blooming types blossom on new growth, since they develop buds in the spring just a season before they open.

What plants go well with spirea?

They look especially good paired with bigleaf hydrangeas. Or set them near clumps of hostas that will take some sun. Since spirea blossoms are mainly flat clusters, contrast the flower shapes you plant nearby. Narrow purple spikes of salvia or upright plumes of astilbe add nice variety.

How do you divide spirea?

The best way is to locate a section of the plant on the outer edge that consists of young, vigorous shoots. Dig around the outside of this section to expose the root ball, and use a flat spade to divide the roots from the rest of the plant. Lift it out and away from the larger plant to complete the division.

How do you keep spirea from spreading?

In areas where the population of spirea is sparse or in areas that are environmentally susceptible, one way to stop the spread of Japanese spirea is to cut or mow the plant. Repeated mowing of the invasive plant will slow its spread but not eradicate it.

Is Spiraea invasive?

Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.

When can I transplant spirea bushes?

Whether you are introducing a container-grown spirea to the landscape or moving a spirea because it is no longer wanted or not performing well in a certain spot, spireas generally withstand transplant well. Whenever possible, transplant spireas in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, or in fall.

How tall is a spirea shrub?

Height and spread: 1 to 2 feet tall, 2 feet wide. This low-growing mounded spirea shrub is ideal for creating eye-catching borders that provide continual interest. In spring, the new leaves are vibrant red, gradually maturing to gold while retaining red tips at the ends of the branches.

What color is the foliage of spirea?

If your garden needs some color to offset one-note green-leafed shrubs and evergreens, the striking foliage of spirea ‘Goldflame’ provides the perfect counterpoint. In spring, the leaves are bronze-red, shifting to bright yellow-green in the summer and rich coppery orange in the fall. An explosion of rosy pink flowers in early summer stands out in vivid contrast. Also try S. japonica 'Goldmound', which has similar color-shifting foliage that emerges bright golden yellow in the spring and transitions to chartreuse in the summer and an attractive orange-red in the fall.

What is a birchleaf spirea?

Birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia): A compact, rounded shrub growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. White flowers appear in early to midsummer, but this spirea is at its most colorful in autumn, when the dark green, birch-like leaves turn rich shades of red, orange, and purple.

When do spireas bloom?

This 3- to 5-foot-tall spirea is one of the first to bloom in early spring. The white umbrella-shaped flowers emerge on slender, arching branches before the finely textured pale-green foliage, which takes on yellow and orange tones in fall.

How to plant a sage plant in a container?

How to plant: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the container and just as deep. Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any tightly wound roots. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

When do spireas turn red?

One of the oldest and most popular of the Japanese spireas, 'Anthony Waterer' has set the bar high for other cultivars to follow. From late spring through midsummer, it flaunts frilly 6-inch clusters of carmine-pink flowers set against a backdrop of attractive blue-green foliage. In autumn, the leaves turn attractive shades of red.

Do spireas need water?

Keep newly planted spireas well-watered until they become established. Mature spireas are drought tolerant and only need watering when the soil becomes dry. Spireas don’t like wet feet, so avoid oversaturating the soil.

What are the different types of spireas?

Popular Spiraea spp. Varieties 1 Birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia): While it has some summer interest in small white flowers, the real highlight is the show this shrub puts on during the fall with purple, orange, and red shades. 2 Early Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii): Blooming early in the spring, this species offers three-season interest giving the most spectacular fall colors of purple, orange, burgundy, red and yellow. 3 Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica): This species is easily the most cultivated with endless sizes, forms, colors, and textures. One popular cultivar is 'Gold Mound'. 4 Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia): Bridal wreath spirea is a large species compared to other in the genus. It can reach heights up to 20 feet if not pruned back. Bridal wreath spirea is named for the beautiful wedding wreaths traditionally made from its tiny white flowers. During autumn, reds, oranges, and yellows pop out of nowhere, setting the large shrub ablaze.

What is the most popular cultivar of Japanese spirea?

Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica): This species is easily the most cultivated with endless sizes, forms, colors, and textures. One popular cultivar is 'Gold Mound'. Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia): Bridal wreath spirea is a large species compared to other in the genus.

How tall is Spiraea betulifolia?

Spiraea betulifolia was traditionally used both as a food and a medicine by the native Americans. 1-20 ft. Depending on Species.

What are some good flowering shrubs?

When looking for flowering shrubs, people often think about hydrangea, lilac, rhododendron or azalea, and viburnum. With its 80 or so species the genus Spiraea is quickly rising up to become a garden favorite. The species are easy to grow and maintain and there is a wide range of easily-available cultivars and hybrids on the market.

Is spirea a deer resistant plant?

Take warning, though; spirea is not deer-resistant and is occasionally a last resort snack for these animals.

Is Spirea easy to grow?

The species are easy to grow and maintain and there is a wide range of easily-available cultiva rs and hybrids on the market. Spirea offers gardeners and designers endless possibilities in color, shape, texture, and form. Depending on which spirea you choose, they could be used as groundcovers, borders, hedges, and stand-alone specimens.

Do spireas need sun?

Choosing an area that drains well and gets a fair amount of sun is essential for all spirea species. It's still important, however, to do your research when searching for a suitable species for your garden, as their care and condition requirements can vary considerably. The details below are general guidelines and not specific to any particular species.

Where is the Spiraea shrub native to?

Spiraea, commonly spelled spirea, is a genus of over 80 woody shrubs in the Rosaceae (rose) family. Native to temperate zones in the Northern Hemisphere, the greatest diversity of species is found in eastern China. Named from the Greek word speira, which means spiral, it refers to their wreath-like display of showy, ...

What does a speira look like?

Named from the Greek word speira, which means spiral, it refers to their wreath-like display of showy, small flowers. Growing in grouped panicles, flat-topped corymbs, or clusters in colors of mauve, pink, red, rose, and white, each tiny flower looks like a mini apple blossom with five petals and numerous stamens.

What is the best way to kill bugs in your garden?

Or, an insecticidal soap or spray of neem oil is also effective against problem insects. Reapply both methods as needed. You can also add beneficial insects to your garden, like lacewings or ladybugs, for a natural way to control pesky insects.

When should I cut back my flowering plants?

If summer bloomers become overgrown, a more vigorous pruning may be needed. Cut back by as much as two-thirds in winter when plants are dormant. And both categories will also enjoy a light shear after flowering to remove spent blooms, encourage reblooming, and invigorate foliage.

Do shrubs need winter care?

Frost resistant, established plants don’t require any special winter care. However, new shrubs planted in late summer or fall should be mulched to protect roots from the cold. And any container plants should be moved to a sheltered location or wrapped with insulation to protect roots from freezing temperatures.

Do spireas attract butterflies?

And the color doesn’t stop in the autumn, spirea displays beautiful red foliage in the fall. Shrubs are mostly deer resistant and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Typically, plants are hardy in Zones 4-9 although some are more heat or cold tolerant.

How far apart should I plant a spirea plant?

PLANTING & CARING FOR SPIREA. How to plant: Follow these steps and space 2-15 feet apart, depending on the variety. Look to your plant’s tag for specific recommendations. Dig a hole slightly deeper than the root ball and 2 times wider. Remove the plant from the nursery pot and loosen the soil around the roots.

What is the color of spirea?

Here are a few of the most commonly grown. Japanese spirea ( Spiraea japonica) has the widest color range, with foliage in shades of green, blue, gold or chartreuse. Flowers bloom from late spring into summer in colors of pink, purple, red or white.

What color are birchleaf spireas?

Flowers bloom from late spring into summer in colors of pink, purple, red or white. Birchleaf spirea ( Spiraea betulifolia) has a dense mounding habit with white flowers and toothed birch-like green leaves. A kaleidoscope of rich fall color occurs in shades of red, orange and purple.

How to plant a privacy screen?

Plant in a row as a privacy screen along a property line. Use smaller to medium varieties to divide garden rooms. Incorporate a medium to large type as a background plant in a cottage-style or mixed border. Use any size or type to accentuate a woodland setting. Combine in a foundation planting along with other shrubs.

How do I plant a shrub in a hole?

Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at or slightly above soil level. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. Water well . Mulch with a layer of shredded bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Learn more: How to Plant a Shrub.

Is spirea low maintenance?

It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, heat, cold, humidity, drought and urban pollution. Not only is spirea low-maintenance, but it also attracts butterflies and other insect pollinators. These flowering shrubs’ delicate lacy flowers can be white, pink, red or mauve.

When do purple birch spireas bloom?

Purple-red flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Use in containers, mass plantings or as a low hedge. Glow Girl ® birchleaf spirea, a gold-leafed version of ‘Tor’, is an exceptionally hardy compact variety suited to northern regions.

Where to grow spiraea

Grow spiraea in garden borders in fertile, well-drained soil. Improve poor soils by adding well-rotted organic matter before planting. Depending on plant size, site your spiraea towards the back, middle or front of the border. The smallest spiraeas give the best effect if planted in a group of three.

How to plant spiraea

Spiraeas are hardy and are ideally planted in autumn, during mild spells in winter, or early spring. Planting can be done while in full growth in spring or summer, as long as plants are watered regularly. Plant with the top of the rootball at the same depth as the soil level, firm in, and water well to settle the soil around the roots.

How to care for spiraea

Once established, spiraea needs little attention apart from pruning. Spiraea is hardy and doesn’t require any special winter care. As with all border shrubs, a spring mulch of well-rotted organic matter will keep the soil – and therefore the plant – in good condition. Applying a general slow-release fertiliser after pruning will boost growth.

How to cut back spring-flowering spiraea

Prune immediately after flowering, as next year’s flowers will be borne on shoots produced in summer. Cut back the flowered shoots to strong new growth below, pruning to a pair of buds.

How to cut back late summer-flowering spiraea

Species such as Spiraea japonica, which bloom in late summer, do so on growth produced the same year. Cut back all growth in early spring to around 30cm from the ground. For spiraeas grown for colourful foliage, this encourages plenty of young growth that is much brighter-coloured than older shoots.

Renovation pruning of older shrubs

Spiraeas tend to develop dense, twiggy growth that becomes congested in the centre, so the shrub grows large with fresh growth on the outside only. After several years, take out about a quarter of the oldest stems near to the ground, which lets light and air through the centre and encourages fresh new growth to develop.

How to propagate spiraea

Take semi-ripe cuttings of non-flowering shoots in mid to late summer. Some spiraeas form spreading clumps and produce shoots on the outer part of the clump (called suckers) which form roots at the base: these can be detached and planted separately.

How to keep spireas healthy?

To do this, spread a layer of compost or well-rotted manure about two inches thick across the area of ground covered by the bush’s branches.

How to revive a spirea?

After a few years, shrubs like spirea can become a little lackluster. Dividing them at the root is one way to revive them and remove old growth. You’ll also get more plants by doing this.

Why prune spireas?

Article Summary X. It’s important to prune spirea shrubs, as this helps maintain their shape, prevent diseases, and encourage a second flowering. Don’t be afraid to really cut the plant back, as these shrubs will grow back even from severe pruning.

How to get rid of dead bushes?

Use sharp gardening or pruning shears to do this. Remove all dead, diseased or decaying growth as well. At the same time, remove any weak-looking growth or stems that seem too spindly. Any spindly or weak, dead, diseased or damaged stems should be cut right back to the base of the stem.

What is a sucker in a spirea?

Some varieties of spirea produce suckers. Suckers are shoots that emerge from the roots of the plant. Suckers are eventually capable of producing independent plants of their own; suckering is one of the ways that spirea reproduces.

When do spireas bloom?

Spirea shrubs are beautiful flowering bushes that can brighten up any yard. These shrubs tend to bloom in the spring and summer months , though some varieties will also produce attractive leaf displays in the fall. One of the basic elements of caring for a spirea shrub is pruning it when necessary. Steps.

Do spireas need pruning?

A spirea will grow back from the most severe pruning. Newly planted shrubs won’t need pruning as much; you may just give them a bit of a trim to reshape them in their first year.

How to maintain spirea?

Throughout the summer, the plants shape can be maintained by cutting back overgrown spirea shoots or stems as well as any dead or diseased branches. Try to make the cuts within ¼ inch (6 mm.) of a leaf or bud. Fall is the time for the most severe pruning of spirea.

Why cut back spirea?

All spirea shrubs produce flowers on new wood, which is why cutting back spirea shrubs is so important. Spirea pruning not only rejuvenates the plant and encourages blooming, but it also helps to restrain the size of the shrub. Also, trimming spirea back, in many cases, will induce a second bloom. Other varieties of spirea, such as Japanese spirea, ...

What zone is spirea in?

Image by Alexander_Pogudin. Spirea is a reliable blooming shrub that thrives in USDA zones 5-9. Spirea blooms consistently and profusely on new wood after some time the plant begins to look a bit bedraggled with few blooms. Pruning spirea after a couple of years will rejuvenate the plant.