Species spirea

spirea

Spiraea thunbergii

Also Known As - baby's breath spirea
Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii) is an attractive, deciduous flowering shrub with arching branches and white flowers. Native to Japan, this showy shrub is commonly used as a hedge or in perennial borders. Growing 3-5 feet tall, this shrub produces flashing white flowers in the spring, making it a sure standout in the garden. With good drainage and a full sun location, Spirea can be easily maintained year round. Blooming in late spring, the blooms can be cut back in late May to encourage a repeat bloom in the summer. It's foliage changes color with the seasons, beginning with a reddish hue in the spring and then a bright green in the summer. Spirea thunbergii's height and arching branches make it an ideal backdrop for other flowering plants and its showy flowers add bright detail to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

yellow,white Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

For a Spirea, water regularly right after planting and then water deeply once a week during dry periods. During the growing season, water deeply and regularly once a week. When temperatures have cooled (usually beginning in mid-Autumn), then reduce watering to once every 2 weeks. It's best to water your Spirea early in the morning to allow for maximum absorption and to give the leaves time to dry off, preventing fungal diseases. In winter, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out.

sunlight

Spirea thrives in full sunlight, meaning that it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to produce optimal bloom and growth. It is best to provide sunlight to the plant in the morning and early afternoon, as the intense afternoon sun could be damaging to the delicate foliage and flowers.

pruning

Spirea should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins. It's best to remove old and dead branches and shape up the bush to the desired size. Light to moderate pruning is recommended, as cutting away too much growth can ruin the shape of the plant and also reduce flowering the following season. It's best to cut off no more than 1 third of the total branches on the shrub.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Spiraea thunbergii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Spiraea thunbergii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Spiraea thunbergii is in July and August.

Hardiness Map