Spirea Plant
Profile
Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
is a group of hardy shrubs with 100 unique species. They often have colorful
foliage and are covered in abundant delicate blooms. The genus name, Spirea,
originates from the Greek word for “wreath.”
Spirea are native to Japan, China, and Korea. They are hardy
to USDA Zones 4 – 8. They do best in full sun and are tolerant of a variety of soil
types. Once established they are drought- and pollution-resistant, making them
good choices for urban gardens.
Spirea are generally fast-growing and many are compact and
mound-forming. If any pruning is needed, it is best to do so right after
flowering. It is not necessary to deadhead them.
They are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other
pollinators.
According to the National Garden Bureau, who has declared 2023
as the Year of the Spirea, the main varieties of spirea available commercially
include:
-
The Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica), which are known for their wide flower and
foliage color range, and their low-growing, mounding form.
-
The Bumalda spirea (Spiraea x bumalda), which are similar to Japanese spirea, they
are a cross between Spiraea
albiflora and Spirea
japonica. Flower colors range from white to deep pink.
-
The Birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia), which are known for their larger,
blue-green, birch-like leaves and stunning fall color.
-
The Korean spirea (Spiraea fritschiana), which are native to forests, slopes, and
rocky areas.
-
The Vanhoutte or Bridal Wreath spirea, (Spiraea x vanhouttei), which are known
for their vase-shaped habit, flowing, arching branches and cascading showy
spring blooms.
Spirea: You Can Grow
That!
The
video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant
Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.
Video and editing by Taylor Edwards
Audio and text by Kathy Jentz
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