Spiraea japonica

Spiraea is a common shrub of Central-Europeans parks. This low-maintenance plant is available in many species and varieties each of which offers a different feature. Even though public plantings often offer the same one over and over, and the only job done to avoid absolute neglect is radical pruning to bizarre shapes that don’t suit this plant at all, spiraea can be a pretty plant if used sporadically and well located in the garden.

Japanese spiraea is possibly the most used species that has many varieties and colours. The main species makes upright and dense shrubs about 1.5 tall with profusion of medium pink flowers from late June until late August. If regularly deadhead, at least once a week, the shrub will continue looking pretty and fresh without those ugly and dry seedpods. Moreover, blooming can be extended to early September this way. Leaves are deciduous, rich green, narrowly ovate to lance-shaped

Spring pruning will encourage new growths and the plant will get thicker and will flower more profusely. You can cut off up to two thirds of previous year’s growth or trim the twigs to achieve a desired shape. It is widely soil adaptable but does best in slightly acidic, fertile, constantly moist soil in full sun. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 04-02-2014