spirea

Spirea (Spiraea fritschiana) is a hardy, deciduous shrub requiring minimal upkeep. Water the plant often when it is first planted, and then decrease the frequency thereafter. During the growing season, water Spirea at least once a week, allowing the soil surrounding the plant to dry out before watering again. During periods of drought, water more frequently. To reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial growth, make sure to water in the early morning or late afternoon. During the winter, provide water every other month, or during extended periods of dry weather.

Spirea plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day to grow and bloom at peak performance. They grow best in full sun, which means direct sunlight for at least 6 hours in a day. Spirea plants can also tolerate some partial shade, which means some direct sunlight and dappled shade during the day. However, too much shade can reduce the number of blooms the plant produces. It is best to provide the spirea plant with bright indirect sunlight or filtered sunlight for the majority of the day.

Spirea plants should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing dead or damaged branches, as well as cutting back long shoots to maintain the desired shape. It is not recommended to prune too much at once, as it can damage the shrub. If needed, pruning can be done again in early summer as needed. For Spiraea fritschiana, the amount of pruning should be minimal; typically only about 1/3 of the stems should be cut away in any given season. This will ensure healthy growth and plenty of flowers for the next season.