Spiraea

The genus Spiraea includes approximately 100 species of decorative flowering deciduous shrubs. Leaves alternate petiolate, simple, 3-5-lobed, saw-toothed. Flowers are bisexual, rarely dioecious, small, usually white in umbels (spring-blooming) or pink-red, collected in panicles (summer-blooming). Spiraea bullata is a compact dwarf species of slow growth. The leaves are small, oval and rough; bright pink flowers bloom all summer. Spiraea arguta is a medium-sized hybrid with characteristic oval - lanceolate, smooth, whole or slightly toothed leaves. Pure white flowers are collected in small brushes that bloom on the branches of the previous year in April-May. Japanese spirea (S. japonica) is an erect species with characteristic lanceolate and oval finely toothed leaves; pink flowers on the shoots of the current year are collected in flattened inflorescences that adorn the bush from mid-summer. There are a lot of varieties and decorative forms, for example: 'Alpine' (or 'Dwarf'), 'Night-woods' and 'Golden Flame'. Spiraea bumalda (Spiraea x bumalda) is a dwarf hybrid with oval-lanceolate toothed leaves and wide panicles of bright pink flowers that form throughout the summer.

The genus Spiraea includes approximately 100 species of decorative flowering deciduous shrubs. Leaves alternate petiolate, simple, 3-5-lobed, saw-toothed. Flowers are bisexual, rarely dioecious, small, usually white in umbels (spring-blooming) or pink-red, collected in panicles (summer-blooming).

Spiraea bullata is a compact dwarf species of slow growth. The leaves are small, oval and rough; bright pink flowers bloom all summer.

Spiraea arguta is a medium-sized hybrid with characteristic oval - lanceolate, smooth, whole or slightly toothed leaves. Pure white flowers are collected in small brushes that bloom on the branches of the previous year in April-May.

Japanese spirea (S. japonica) is an erect species with characteristic lanceolate and oval finely toothed leaves; pink flowers on the shoots of the current year are collected in flattened inflorescences that adorn the bush from mid-summer. There are a lot of varieties and decorative forms, for example: 'Alpine' (or 'Dwarf'), 'Night-woods' and 'Golden Flame'.

Spiraea bumalda (Spiraea x bumalda) is a dwarf hybrid with oval-lanceolate toothed leaves and wide panicles of bright pink flowers that form throughout the summer.

Cultivation

Spiraea are grown as flowering shrubs in parks and gardens, in flower beds and in borders; they are highly prized as plants for hedges. They are rarely grown in pots or other containers on balconies and terraces. Planting on the site is carried out in October (in cold climates) or March (in temperate climates). Plants in hedges are planted at a distance of approximately 0.5 m from each other. They are suitable for any type of soil, but preferably well-drained and rich in organic matter. Pruning is carried out taking into account flowering. Species and varieties that produce flowers on the current year's shoots (for example, Bumald spiraea and Japanese spiraea) should be pruned at the end of winter, leaving only a few centimeters off the ground to promote better branching and the formation of large flowers. Spirea characterized by flowering on the branches of the previous year (for example, acute spirea) is pruned after flowering, much shortening the branches on which the flowers were, leaving a few centimeters from the main branch. Hedges are pruned annually to maintain the correct shape.

Spiraea are grown as flowering shrubs in parks and gardens, in flower beds and in borders; they are highly prized as plants for hedges. They are rarely grown in pots or other containers on balconies and terraces. Planting on the site is carried out in October (in cold climates) or March (in temperate climates). Plants in hedges are planted at a distance of approximately 0.5 m from each other. They are suitable for any type of soil, but preferably well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Pruning is carried out taking into account flowering. Species and varieties that produce flowers on the current year's shoots (for example, Bumald spiraea and Japanese spiraea) should be pruned at the end of winter, leaving only a few centimeters off the ground to promote better branching and the formation of large flowers. Spirea characterized by flowering on the branches of the previous year (for example, acute spirea) is pruned after flowering, much shortening the branches on which the flowers were, leaving a few centimeters from the main branch. Hedges are pruned annually to maintain the correct shape.

Location

They can be planted both in the open sun and in partial shade.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to both high and low temperatures.

Watering

It is necessary only for young plants-immediately after planting in the open air or during a prolonged drought.

Reproduction

They are propagated by seeds, cuttings, offspring, and overgrowth. The most common method of propagation is cuttings. In summer (in July-August), semi-woody cuttings (10 cm long) are taken and planted to take root in sandy soil. Next spring-rooted cuttings are planted singly in pots, and a year later they are transplanted to a permanent place. Lignified cuttings (30 cm long) can be cut in October. In late autumn or early spring, spiraea can be propagated in layers (very long branches are cut and buried).

Diseases

Some species (for example, Douglas spiraea) planted on calcareous soils are susceptible to chlorosis, as the plant does not absorb enough iron. To get rid of this disease, it is necessary to introduce an iron-containing preparation (iron chelate) into the soil.

Acquisition

The most common varieties of spiraea are easily found in specialized gardening centers and nurseries, and in the spring also in supermarkets. Choose strong, branched plants.