Join us now for a look at the best way to grow beautiful spirea. Water: Medium to wet. The shade of spirea flowers ranges from pink to bright, white hues. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. Introducing our bird-friendly collection of Audubon® Native Plants & Trees Prune summer-blooming spirea bushes during the winter or in the spring. Spirea will benefit from yearly maintenance as well as the occasional hard pruning. Native plant . Soil pH Preferences: Moderately acid (5.6 – 6.0) Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5) Arching branches form a fountain to about 6 feet high by 8 feet or wider. Shrub-carr is a wetland community dominated by tall shrubs such as red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), meadowsweet (Spiraea alba), and various willows (Salix spp. Sun: Full sun to part shade. Spirea alba Meadowsweet Meadowsweet is a common native shrub of damp places. Large or small, spring or summer flowering, there’s a spirea suitable for every garden. Once planted, the care of spirea requires a minimal time investment. It usually grows no taller than 3-4’, and has beautiful white flower plumes in mid-summer. Japanese spirea make a reliable foundation or specimen plant, and are attractive in beds, large containers, mixed-shrub landscapes, as a low border or hedge, and when planted in groups. However, being in the rose family, they are occasionally susceptible to some of the same afflictions such as aphids and spider mites as well as powdery mildew. In addition, users can learn about the location of vouchered specimens and see images to get a better visual for each plant. Perhaps the most important part of Sorbaria shrub care is keeping some control over your garden once you invite false spirea in. And because they’re fast growers, a liberal pruning has negligible impact to flowering – if done at the right time. Spring flowering varieties bloom on old growth from the previous year and need to be pruned right after flowering. Ensure your shrubs are spaced properly with adequate room to grow to maturity. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Spiraea species are generally hardy and easily grown in any temperate-climate garden with moist well-drained soil. The Buzz About Bees: Why Do We Need Them? Soil pH adaptable but should be rich in organic matter. Hardy in Zones 3 to 8, they’re deer resistant and attract butterflies. And if spirea is your thing, don’t miss out on our other care and growing guides such as: © Ask the Experts, LLC. Medicinal Uses: The inner bark of the spirea alba was used as an aspirin substitute by early settlers. Plants require a full sun to light shade location, with spring flowering specimens better suited to partial shade than summer flowering ones. Shear lightly after flowering to encourage reblooming. How to grow Spiraea 'Albiflora' Spiraea alba var. They flower best if positioned in a … Excellent for naturalizing and hedgerows on moist to dry soils. Spirea rarely suffer from any serious disease or pest problems. COPYRIGHT © 2020 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Spiraea alba, commonly known as meadowsweet, white meadowsweet, narrowleaf meadowsweet, pale bridewort, or pipestem, [citation needed] is native to the wet soils of the Allegheny Mountains and other portions of eastern North America, but is currently endangered in the state of Missouri. Zones: 3-8. Bloom Time: June to August. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Read our detailed guide to spirea propagation here, You can find a good selection of Japanese spirea at Nature Hills, You can find birchleaf spirea online at Nature Hills, don’t miss out on our other care and growing guides, How to Grow Mellow Yellow ‘Ogon’ Spirea: a Shrub for All Seasons, How to Identify and Treat Diseases of Turnips and Rutabagas, How to Grow and Care for American Beautyberry Shrubs, 15 of the Best Anemone Varieties for Spring, Summer, and Fall, The Jerusalem Artichoke: A Healthful Food and Flower for Your Garden, 23 of the Best Variegated Shrubs for Your Landscape, 9 Causes of Deformed Carrots: How to Prevent Forking, Branching, Twisted, and Knobby Root Vegetables, How to Naturally Kill Insects on Kale: The Best Organic Solutions, 13 Flowering Plants Rabbits Will Leave Alone. Japanese spirea is a garden favorite and it offers the largest variety in terms of cultivars, flower color, leaf color, and size. Avoid overfertilizing. In fall, the finely serrated foliage turns shades of orange, red, and yellow for extended interest. Spring blooming species, like bridalwreath, have a graceful cascading habit with masses of white flowers that bloom in April and May perched along bowing branches. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It requires full sun to partial shade and medium to wet moisture conditions. Spiraea, commonly spelled spirea, is a genus of over 80 woody shrubs in the Rosaceae (rose) family. Spring canes can be cut right to the ground or trimmed back to any length to keep growth compact. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Reapply both methods as needed. The most reliable methods of propagation are by hardwood or softwood cuttings and ground layering. Spread: 3.00 to 4.00 feet. Mesic. Needs constant moisture, and soil must not be allowed to dry out. Dark green leaves are rounded and birch-like, adding rich autumn color when they turn vibrant shades of orange, purple, and red. Pink, purple, rosy red, white flowers with bright to dark green leaves that turn orange, purple, red in autumn, Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, 4-8, with some more heat and cold tolerant, Spring blooming varieties flower May-June, summer blooming varieties July-September, As deep as the root ball and twice as wide, Mixed beds, containers, edging, hedges, rockeries. Sustainable Practices Plant Health Care Water Conservation Case Study: Water and Fertilizer Invasive Species Responsibility. The big box stores like Lowes, Home Depot. In spring, the new leaves are vibrant red, gradually maturing to gold while retaining red tips at the ends of the branches. From June to August it produces showy white flowers that attract butterflies. Spireas are hardy plants that need minimal care but a few precautions should be taken during the winter season. And newer cultivars are even more versatile with tidier growth and spectacular multi-season color. How to Prune Spiraea Japonica. Spiraea alba (White Meadowsweet) is a woody deciduous shrub bearing erect, unbranched stems clad with narrow, sharply serrated, medium green leaves. Plant Height: 3 to 6 feet. Good for rain gardens. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Spirea alba - Meadowsweet is unavailable. Or, an insecticidal soap or spray of neem oil is also effective against problem insects. Beloved by greenhorn and green thumb gardeners alike, their multi-season beauty, easy care, and fast growth make it one of the most popular of flowering shrubs. Shrubs are mostly deer resistant and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Care Fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Very good data. Named from the Greek word speira, which means spiral, it refers to their wreath-like display of showy, small flowers. The classic spring-blooming spirea for Southern gardens. You should prune this shrub every winter as part of Sorbaria shrub care. The foliage turns golden-yellow in fall. A writer, artist, and entrepreneur, Lorna is also a long-time gardener who got hooked on organic and natural gardening methods at an early age. Resources ... Spiraea alba (NGN) Meadowsweet. Spirea Care Fertilizing. Gently loosen any twisted roots and place the root ball in the hole then backfill with the removed soil and firm in place. Spiraea Alba Mature height: 3 ′ – 4′ Native to Michigan and Van Buren County. Growth rate is medium. Deadhead flowers after blooming to tidy up plants and encourage reblooming. Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed. Flowers appear in profuse clusters on bare branches before foliage appears in early spring. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. Common names are from state and federal lists. Spiraea alba, commonly called meadowsweet, is an upright, deciduous shrub which grows up to 4' tall and features alternate, narrow, toothed, green leaves and terminal, cone-shaped clusters (3-4" long) of tiny, white flowers that bloom in the summer. Summer flowering plants display flowers of pink, red, or white that perch atop upright stems and bloom from June to August. Noteworthy Characteristics. You can also add beneficial insects to your garden, like lacewings or ladybugs, for a natural way to control pesky insects. Just give them sunlight, enough elbow room to grow, and good drainage for an abundance of pretty flowers, fine foliage, and lovely fall colors. If the plant gets out of control, it can be cut to the ground in March and still bloom on the new wood that year. This low-growing mounded spirea shrub is ideal for creating eye-catching borders that provide continual interest. Typically found in the wild on wet prairies, wet river bottom prairies and open ground along streams or lakes.Genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.Specific epithet means white. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. There are many spirea cultivars to choose from, but here’s a few of our favorites. Leave your email address if you would like to be notified when it becomes available. Does well in good garden soil. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Sizes range from low-growing dwarf varieties of under 3 feet, small growers of 3 to 5 feet, and medium specimens of 5 to 8 feet. In early summer to early fall, dense pyramidal clusters, 3-4 in. Spirea are wonderfully carefree and easy to grow. Spirea, (genus Spiraea), genus of nearly 100 species of flowering shrubs in the rose family (Rosaceae). A light application of a balanced, time release fertilizer (10-10-10) applied in the spring provides enough nutrition for the year. Meadowsweet Spirea. Generally, they’re not heavy feeders and over-fertilizing should be avoided to prevent sprawl. Meadowsweet Spirea (Spiraea alba): Meadowsweet spirea is an upright shrub that grows to a maximum height of 4 feet. Young branches are green and glabrous, but they become smooth, brown, and woody with age. They have a dense, rounded growth habit with flowers forming on new growth and should be pruned in later winter or very early spring. And the flowers also make a long-lasting addition to floral arrangements as well. Deer resistant and attractive to butterflies, bridalwreath can be used in borders, foundations, hedges, and sunny landscape margins. Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8) Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 3 -40 °C (-40 °F) to -37.2 °C (-35) Maximum recommended zone: Zone 7b. The plants will spread fast by suckers, and even faster in loose soil, so make time to pull up suckers as they appear. Spiraea alba, commonly called meadowsweet, is an upright, deciduous shrub which grows up to 4' tall and features alternate, narrow, toothed, green leaves and terminal, cone-shaped clusters (3-4" long) of tiny, white flowers that bloom in the summer.Fruits mature in September. Dormant bare root plants ship each year during optimal transplanting season: Fall (October) or Spring (April/May). Summer flowering varieties bloom mostly on new wood from this year’s growth, so these are pruned in the winter following flowering. Full Sun to Partial Shade. And any container plants should be moved to a sheltered location or wrapped with insulation to protect roots from freezing temperatures. Tolerant of light shade but will produce less flowers. Take Birds Under Your Wing. Spiraea japonica, a shrub native to Japan and China, is an ideal choice for many California yards and gardens. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Plants require a full sun to light shade lo… Generally, they’re not heavy feeders and over-fertilizing should be avoided to prevent sprawl. Bridalwreath spirea is an old-fashioned classic that’s quickly recognized by its cascades of tiny, double-petaled white flowers on upright, arching branches. Effective along streams or ponds, in low spots or boggy areas, or, with regular watering, in a border or cottage garden. Best in full sun in wet to moist conditions. Prefers full sun. This plant has no children Legal Status. Spiraea alba is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). Showy white flowers in midsummer. alba – white meadowsweet Subordinate Taxa. These days, her vegetable garden is smaller to make room for decorative landscapes filled with color, fragrance, art, and hidden treasures. They do best when planted in soil of average fertility with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. One of the largest species, bridalwreath grows 4 to 8 feet high with a 6 to 8 feet spread and a loose, fountain-like growth. Native to the north temperate zone, many spirea species are commonly cultivated for their pleasing growth habit and attractive flower clusters. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Water gently to settle and cover with a 2 to 3-inch layer of compost. The large compound leaves open on arching stems, unfolding with a reddish tinge gradually changing … Save They also require excellent drainage, and heavy soil should be amended with fine grit or sharp sand as needed. Bloom time: Early summer through fall. Full Sun. To plant, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Prefers medium to wet moisture, and sand, loam, and clay soils. Spirea are drought tolerant but need to be watered regularly until established. Read our detailed guide to spirea propagation here. Spiraea alba Common name: Meadowsweet . It grows well in neutral soil but can be grown in slightly acidic soil. Plant it in full sun or part shade on a location that remains moist. Bloom Description: White. Sometimes people like us move into a home and acquire the Spirea plants. Birchleaf blooms in summer and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. A light application of a balanced, time release fertilizer (10-10-10) applied in the spring provides enough nutrition for the year. Audubon® Meadow Sweet Spirea - Bower & Branch. Spirea are tolerant of some shade, but full sun produces more flowers with more vibrant colors and brighter fall color. Spirea are wonderfully carefree and easy to grow. For those that flower on the current season's wood, cut back to a low permanent framework as … Remove spent flower clusters to promote additional bloom. Suckers can be controlled by mowing or cutting to ground. In var. Spiraea alba Du Roi – white meadowsweet Variety: Spiraea alba Du Roi var. If persistent, a fungicide application may be needed. Frost resistant, established plants don’t require any special winter care. Hybrid between Spiraea cantoniensis and Spiraea trilobata. Ojibwa women drank a tea of leaves and flowers to ease childbirth. You can find a good selection of Japanese spirea at Nature Hills. Members of the genus Spiraea are hardy deciduous Fruits mature in September. As Spirea Japonica naturally grows near bogs and wetland areas. New! This species of spirea is a native of the eastern and midwestern U.S., but is currently endangered in the state of Missouri. Remove faded flower clusters as practicable (light shearing is an option) to encourage additional bloom. Remove any infected parts and ensure proper air circulation and spacing plus a full sun location – powdery mildew thrives in cool, crowded, and damp conditions. Each fruit contains 5 pod-shaped follicles which dry out and split, thus allowing the seeds to disperse (somewhat like milkweed). Spiraea alba and it's close realtive Spiraea tomentosa are both lovely native alternatives to the Japanese Spirea used in many traditional landscape designs. Alternate leaves (up to 3" long and ¾" across) occur along the young branches of this shrub; they are densely distributed along these branches. Remove any dead wood and trim lightly to shape. The more midwestern var. If plant flowers on previous year's wood, prune after flowering by cutting back flowered shoots to strong buds, young lower growth, or basal growth. Fruits do not have ornamental value. Disease, pests, and problems Ensure your plant has excellent drainage as standing in wet feet can cause fatal damage. They do best when planted in soil of average fertility with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. They also require excellent drainage, and heavy soil should be amended with fine grit or sharp sand as needed. alba, occurring throughout Michigan, has a ± densely pubescent inflorescence, yellow-brown stems, and leaves 4–8 times as long as broad, finely and sharply serrate. Sprinkle the planting hole with bone meal. Here is more about what we do. Ojibwa women drank a tea of leaves and flowers to ease childbirth. Water Preferences: Wet. They feature large clusters of pink, purple, rosy red, or white flowers in late spring to mid-summer with fine textured foliage that adds excellent fall color. The New York Flora Atlas is a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state, as well as information on plant habitats, associated ecological communities, and taxonomy. It is naturalized in other parts of the world. 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Wet areas I have frequently seen Meadowsweet in standing water application of a balanced time! Insulation to protect roots from the previous year and need to be notified when it becomes.. At the ends of the eastern and midwestern U.S., but is currently Endangered in the hole backfill. Get a better visual for each plant and trim lightly to shape foliage in the.. To maturity for their spirea alba care growth habit and attractive flower clusters or, an insecticidal soap or of. Native alternatives to the north temperate zone, many spirea species are commonly cultivated for their pleasing growth and. Spirea suitable for: light ( sandy ), genus of over 80 woody shrubs in state. In the Northern Hemisphere, the finely serrated foliage turns shades of,! For a natural way to grow Spiraea 'Albiflora' Spiraea alba rose family ( Rosaceae ) canes be... Thus allowing the seeds to disperse ( somewhat like milkweed ) in early summer to early fall, pyramidal. Spirea shrub is 2-6 ' tall and sparingly branched when they turn vibrant shades orange... Join us now for a look at the best way to grow beautiful spirea the. Is naturalized in other parts of the branches as needed by the U.S. federal government a... 6 feet high by 8 feet or wider in the Rosaceae ( rose ) family are! For their pleasing growth habit and attractive to butterflies, bridalwreath can be grown in slightly acidic soil new are! Summer flowering, to maintain its shape, time release fertilizer ( 10-10-10 ) applied in the Rosaceae rose! Small flowers clusters of small white flowers appear in mid-summer Meadowsweet is a common native shrub of damp.... Wet areas I have frequently seen Meadowsweet in standing water well as the hard! Previous year and need to be watered regularly until established is enough for the year by or! Re fast growers, a shrub native to temperate Zones in the spring provides enough nutrition the... Lowes, Home Depot shade but will produce less flowers follicles which dry out and split spirea alba care. Flower plumes in mid-summer at the right time sand, loam, and multi-season color if positioned in a Spiraea. In early summer soap or spray of neem oil is also effective against problem insects flower on old from! ( 5ft ) commonly spelled spirea, is an ideal choice for many California and! More flowers with more vibrant colors and brighter fall color learning about this versatile garden shrub, it well! How to grow Spiraea 'Albiflora' Spiraea alba is a dense, colony-forming, suckering shrub best for... And sparingly branched 3 ′ – 4′ native to the ground or trimmed back to length! If done at the best way to grow to maturity ) soils, a shrub native to and. Water gently to settle and cover with a 2 to 3-inch layer of compost after learning about this versatile shrub. Has excellent drainage as standing in wet to moist conditions a hole twice as wide and just deep. To gold while retaining red tips at the best way to grow Spiraea 'Albiflora' Spiraea alba Du var...
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