Spirea are landscape favorites because they don’t require much maintenance to look attractive.
This diverse group of flowering shrubs comes in many sizes, colors, and forms.
Plus, they’re easy-to-grow plants that are hardy in most regions of the country, especially Zones 4-10.
Peter Krumhardt.
Spireas are very fast-growing.
Newer types work well in suburban yards where colors and size are important.
Spirea japonicais probably the most common member of thisgroup of shrubs.
Credit:Grant Webster
The shape of this spirea is much more dense and short.
Remove the plant from its nursery pot and tease the soil from the roots.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
As with most shrubs, it’s best to plant spirea in the fall.
Check with your state’s agricultural department before planting.
Spirea Care Tips
All of the different spireas have fairly similar site requirements.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
They can, however, toleratepartial shade.
Soil and Water
Grow spirea in soil that’s moist and well-drained.
The soil can be sandy or clay-based, and spirea doesn’t need a particular pH punch in.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
When planting, water the plants thoroughly and spread two to three inches of mulch around them.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
It’s better to water deeply but less frequently.
Credit: Julie Maris Semarco
Fertilizer
When spring begins, apply acontrol-released fertilizerformulated for trees and shrubs.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
You may even be rewarded by a second flush of blooms.
A pot with 6 to 8 inches more width than the root ball is the right size.
Choose a potting soil and add a product, like perlite, to help with drainage.
Full sun is a must for potted spirea.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Periodically, check to see if the soil is dry up to 2 inches on the top.
If it is, the plant needs watering.
Pests and Problems
Leaf spot andpowdery mildewcan be problems for spirea.
Credit: Bill Stites
You’ll know it’s ready for propagating when a young stem bends easily and breaks with a snap.
It sprouts rose pink flowers in spring.
It bears pink flowers in early summer.
Credit:Carson Downing
‘Snowmound’ Spirea
Spiraea nipponica’Snowmound' bears white flowers that almost smother the branches in early summer.
It forms a fast-growing, mounding shrub 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
‘Froebel’ Spirea
ThisSpiraea japonicaselection bears bright pink spring flowers and grows 5 feet tall and wide.
Credit: Jane Milliman
It contains some red fall color.
It also attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
When grown under optimal conditions and care, spirea shrubs can live for as long as 20 years.
No, this plant doesn’t need to be covered during the cold winter months.
They are low-maintenance plants that can survive harsh conditions.
Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to spirea.
These beautiful, fragrant blooms should also attract bees, beetles, and moths to your garden.
Although you shouldn’t intentionally feed your pets this plant, spirea is not toxic to dogs or cats.
