Spiraea and heather grow together. Japanese spirea planting and care photo and description of varieties propagation by cuttings and seeds pruning

Spiraea willow - a gentle beauty of your garden, romantic and beautiful

Even an amateur gardener can grow this beautiful bush. The plant is extremely unpretentious, grows on any soil and can withstand heat and frost. The only thing it doesn't like is shade and too much moisture. But the spirea will thank you for taking care of itself with its flowers.

This shrub is beautiful at any time of the year. In early spring, when the leaves are just emerging, and then, when it blooms. Regardless of the variety, its inflorescences bear many small flowers, a bit like cherry blossoms. They come in different shades - from snow-white to garnet red and purple.

And in autumn the foliage turns yellow-orange and red. Then the bush sheds it, so that in the spring it will again be dressed in bright greenery.

She is an excellent honey plant; bees constantly circle above her during flowering. If you choose the right varieties, you will continue to have a riot of flowers all summer long. All species are very beautiful and unique - spirea viburnum, spirea Douglas, argut, macrophyla.

It cleans the air well, absorbs dirt and gases.

Spiraea willow - description

It got its name thanks to its leaves - they are the same as those of willow, elongated, long, a little like a lancet. This shrub can reach 1.5 -2 meters in height. Its shoots are a beautiful brownish-garnet color, straight and elastic. Sometimes it is mistakenly called meadowsweet. But meadowsweet - herbaceous plant, and spirea is a bush.

It grows quickly and produces a lot of root shoots.

This species has large, original look flowers are pale pink panicles. They are fluffy and long, reaching 20-25 cm in length. There are also completely white flowers.

It is distributed throughout Eurasia. Its wild varieties can often be found near ponds, in fields, and in bushes.

Its decorative species began to be bred back in the Middle Ages. Now one of the most popular decorative species- large-flowered.

It blooms for a long time - from May to July. Sometimes it blooms again, but not so profusely.

It is used to decorate alpine slides, hedges, and in single plantings.

Reproduction and planting

Landing

Choose a sunny place for this unpretentious bush.

The best way to plant a plant is in early spring, before buds appear on the bush. Autumn is also suitable, but only after the leaves have fallen. Choose a cloudy day for planting, or even better, a rainy one.

It is better to cover bushes planted in autumn with leaves for the winter.

When planting in spring, the plant must be watered regularly.

For planting, you need a hole of such a size that the roots fit in it freely.

On clay soil, where water stagnation is possible, it is necessary to make drainage from sand and small crushed stone.

Reproduction

It propagates well by cuttings - even without pre-treatment, cuttings take root well, almost all planted ones take root. They just need watering.

In all cases, the layering method gives a good result.

Spiraea loosestrife can also be grown from seeds. Their germination rate and viability are more than 80%.

The young shrub begins to bloom and bear fruit at 4-5 years of age.

Care

Caring for spirea will not cause difficulties or problems; it mainly consists of timely pruning of the bush and removal of weak and damaged shoots.

Since it blooms mainly in summer, pruning should be done in early spring.

There are practically no pests on the leaves of the bush. Still, for prevention, it should be treated, but only until the leaves appear. Its main pests are snails, spider mite, aphid. They often grow in the foliage with which the bush is covered for the winter. To avoid them, you just need to remove the leaves. And the drug “Fitoverm” helps against snails. They need to treat the bush before the leaves appear. Repeat the procedure in the fall.

On fertile soils it can survive for several years without fertilizing.

Spiraea tolerates heat well. Only during drought should it be watered - about a bucket a week for each bush.

Require good watering only young plants - until they take root properly.

For better flowering of the bush, you need to remove excess shoots.

Use in folk medicine

In case of spring vitamin deficiency, salads are prepared from young leaves - they are effective in preventing scurvy.

A decoction of flowering shoots is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Tinctures from it help with some gynecological ailments.

It has very good regenerating properties - it heals not only external skin damage, but also has a good effect on internal organs.

It is also used in cosmetology - it is recommended to wipe the skin of the face and hands with a tincture of flowers.

Spirea Japanese- Spiraea japonica L.

Natural distribution area: Japan, China.

"Dart's Red"
Photo by Andrey Ganov

A beautiful shrub with tomentose-pubescent young shoots, later bare, up to 1-1.5 m tall; oblong-ovate leaves, green above, bluish below, with a reddish tint when blooming, in the autumn - spectacular varied colors. It blooms throughout the summer with pink-red flowers collected in complex, corymbose-paniculate inflorescences that complete annual shoots. The average flowering time is 45 days. Widely used all the way to the Arctic Circle to create long-flowering groups, low hedges and borders. In culture since 1870.

In GBS since 1938, 3 samples (9 copies) were grown from seeds obtained from Tokyo, Copenhagen, Moscow. Height 1.25 m, crown diameter 140 cm. Grows from late April to mid-October. The growth rate is average. Blooms in June-August. It bears fruit from the age of 4, the fruits ripen in October. Winter hardiness is average. Seed germination 63%. 100% of cuttings take root when treated with phyton.

In spring, all varieties of Japanese spirea are pruned, leaving shoots 15-20 cm high from the soil level. Some golden-leaved forms and varieties of Japanese spirea are especially predisposed to the appearance of shoots with purely green leaves. They stand out sharply against the yellow background not only in color, but also in their more powerful growth. All of them must be removed immediately.

Spiraea japonica "Golden Princess" Photo by Alexandra Shcherbakova, Garden Collection company	Spiraea japonica Photo EDSR.	Spiraea japonica "Ruberima" Photo Kashperova Natalia
Spiraea japonica "Macrophylla" Photo by Yuri Bazhenov (Green Line)	Spiraea japonica "Little Princess" Photo Andreeva Nadezhda	Spiraea japonica "Densiflora" Nursery Photo "Northern Flora"

Has a lot garden forms, differing in the color of the flowers, the height of the bush and the size of the leaf blade. The most important decorative ones are:

"Alpina" ("Alpine") - a low, densely branched shrub with striped, almost round, densely pubescent, yellowish shoots. The leaves are dark green above, bluish below. The flowers are light pink. Blooms in July - August. The fruits ripen in September. In GBS since 1991, 1 sample (9 copies) grown from seeds obtained from Germany. At 3 years, height is 0.4 m, crown diameter is 80 cm. The timing of phenological development coincides with the main species. The growth rate is low. Winter hardiness is high. 100% of the cuttings take root when treated with phyton.

var. glabra (Regel) Koidz.- S. I. naked. Shrub up to 1.5 m tall. East Asia. In GBS since 1958, 1 sample (3 copies) was grown from seeds obtained from Dortmund. At 3 years, the height is 1.15 m, the crown diameter is 140 cm. The timing of phenological development coincides with the main species. The growth rate is average. Winter hardiness is high. 100% of cuttings take root when treated with phyton.

"Fortune" - a shrub up to 1.7 m high, native to the eastern and central regions of China. The leaves are wrinkled above, bluish below, bare, brown-red when blooming, later dark green up to 12 cm long. The flowers are bright pink. The inflorescences are highly branched, softly pubescent.

"Little Princess" ("Little Princess") - a shrub up to 0.6 m high, crown diameter 1.2 m, compact, rounded crown, elliptical, dark green leaves, pink-red flowers, collected in corymbose inflorescences up to 3 - 4 cm in diameter. Blooms in June-July. It grows slowly. Looks great in single plantings, groups, edges, and hedges. In GBS since 1992, 1 sample (9 copies) was grown from seeds received from Germany. At 4 years, the height is 0.4 m, the crown diameter is 40 cm. The timing of phenological development coincides with the main species. The growth rate is low. Winter hardiness is high. 100% of cuttings take root when treated with phyton.

Spirea japonica "Nana"
Photo by Andrey Ganov

"Shirobana" - low bush 0.6 - 0.8 m high, crown diameter 1.2 m. Leaves are narrow-lanceolate, dark green, up to 2 cm long. The color of the flowers varies from white to pink and red. Flowering time: July - August. This low chameleon shrub can successfully decorate low borders and rock gardens, various compositions with conifers and other shrubs.

"large-leaved" = "Macrophylla"("Macrophylla") - reaches a height of 1.3 m and a diameter of 1.5 m. It is distinguished by large, up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide, swollen wrinkled leaves, which are purple-red when blooming, later green, and in the fall they acquire golden-yellow tones. If in May, when the buds open, this shrub is cut to 6-10 cm from the soil level, then the young growing shoots in the upper part will have a constantly bright color all summer long. This is one of the best decorative foliage spirea . Pink flowers in small inflorescences are lost among the variegated foliage. Blooms from late July to mid-August. In GBS since 1965. 1 sample (3 copies) grown from seedlings received from the Netherlands. Plants 1.0 m high, crown diameter 60 cm. The timing of phenological development coincides with the main species. The growth rate is average. The fruits ripen in October. Winter hardiness is average.

"Motley" - with leaves covered with yellowish-white stripes and spots.

"Ruberrima" ("Reddish") - with carmine-red flowers up to 1.3 m high. In GBS since 1948, 2 samples (6 copies) were grown from seeds obtained from a nursery near Moscow and GBS reproduction. At 16 years old, height 1. 2 m, crown diameter 180 cm. The timing of phenological development coincides with the main species. The growth rate is average. Winter hardiness is high. Seed germination is 70%. 100% of cuttings take root when treated with phyton.

"Shirobana"
Photo by Andrey Ganov

"Dark red" = "Atrosanguinea"("Atrosanguinea") - has a bush height of about 70 cm and a diameter of up to 1 m. Young growing leaves and shoots are bright red in color, and the flowers are clove-red with heavily pubescent pedicels , which do not fade for a long time, are in the terminal corymbose inflorescences. Looks very good in borders, low hedges, and complex flower beds.

"Candlelight". Dwarf (height about 0.5 m, slightly wider) compact dense shrub with young leaves of a creamy yellow color. Their color becomes more saturated and goes well with pink flowers appearing in mid-summer. The variety does not produce shoots with the usual green leaf color.

"Firelight". A small shrub (about 0.6 m) with young leaves of an amazing orange-red color on arched branches. Later the leaves become bright orange-yellow, then pale green. Rich pink flowers appear in mid-summer, and the autumn flowers are flaming -The red color is very impressive and does not produce shoots with the usual green leaf color.

"Goldflame". A dense shrub up to 0.8 m high, with young leaves of orange-yellow color. Then they become bright yellow, then yellow-green. The autumn color of the leaves is copper-orange. Sometimes variegated leaves appear on the bush. The flowers are small pink-pink. red.

"Golden Princess". Low (about 1 m tall) shrub with bright yellow leaves and pink flowers.

"Gold Mound". A dwarf, about 0.25 m tall, compact bush with bright golden yellow foliage and small clusters of pink flowers appearing in mid-summer.

During flowering, it resembles a bright festive fireworks display.

Her beautiful appearance and pleasant aroma Blooms will always lift your spirits. "Speira" means "bend" in ancient Greek, and its shoots are actually very flexible. An important advantage is unpretentiousness and frost resistance.

Description

Spiraea belongs to the Rosaceae family. Blooms in summer period. The bush has a rounded shape, but if desired, you can trim it and form a different look.

The root system produces little growth, which makes this species easy to grow. The flower is soft white, which determines the name White Spiraea. The flowers are collected in pubescent, loose inflorescences-panicles of a pyramidal shape.

The length of the panicles is 6-15 cm. It grows slowly, reaching its maximum height 10 years after planting. It can grow up to two meters, which is worth considering when choosing a place to plant. The branches grow upward and resemble arrows.

There are many ovoid buds on the branches, from which leaves form in the spring. The leaves have an oblong blade and are pointed at the end, arranged alternately on the stem. The leaf is dark green above and dull gray underneath.

Growing conditions

Designers advise growing spirea as. If you plant it as a single shrub, it is better in the middle of the garden. It is not picky about care, but certain rules must be followed when planting.

Carefully remove it from the ground so as not to damage the root system and inspect it. If the purchased seedling is in a pot, then soak the roots before planting it in the ground.
Shorten long and shaggy roots. Cut off dry branches at the base; they will no longer take any part in the growth of the bush. If young shoots have grown very large, they need to be shortened to 20 cm.

Just before planting the seedling, water the planting hole. Usually mixtures and fertilizers are used.

Dig a hole measuring 50 by 50. Lay a drainage layer about 15 cm high. Place the roots of the seedling directly on the drainage, not forgetting to straighten them.

Fill the hole with a prepared mixture of earth-sand-peat or earth-sand and compact it. After planting, water the new bush generously with plenty of water.

Did you know? It is good to plant spirea near an apiary; it is considered a honey bush. It also affects health environment, because it is a phytocidal plant. The leaves and flowers are dried and used for medicinal purposes.

Planting scheme

When growing a hedge, the distance between bushes should be about 1 m. If you want to plant a single bush, it is better to plant it in the center of the garden.

Features of care

Spiraea is grown in any climate. It grows and blooms well both in regions with warm climates and in more severe areas. Even an amateur gardener can handle it, but there are care features that should not be missed.

Watering and soil care

The plant is moisture-loving and needs frequent watering. Of course, when following the schedule, you need to take into account precipitation. If the summer is dry and hot, water several times a week with plenty of water. About 10 liters of water are consumed at a time.

If there is a lot of precipitation, stop for a while. Keep an eye on the top of the soil and resume the procedure when it dries out. To maintain moisture in the hole, make. The function of mulch is performed by: dry bark, dry grass.
Remove and loosen the soil in a timely manner. The root system of spirea is not very developed and is located shallow, so it suffers greatly from drying out and.

Feeding and fertilizing the plant

Fertilizers include fertilizers that are added to ready-made fertilizer solutions. You can prepare the fertilizer mixture yourself from chicken manure or. Use 1 part to 6 parts water.

You should not overdo the concentration, as this can cause damage to the root system. Ready mix should ferment for up to two weeks, and then mix 1 liter of infusion with 10 liters of water and water the roots. Apply such fertilizers before the plant blooms and after pruning it.

Important! Young seedlings cannot be fertilized! Feeding is done in the second year after planting the bush.

Trimming

It is usually customary to prune spirea in spring and autumn after flowering. Spring pruning includes removing frozen branches. Later, weak shoots are removed. During flowering, pruning is not carried out, but after that small buds and shoots are removed.

To rejuvenate old bushes, they are pruned so that very short branches remain (up to 5 cm above the ground). This procedure is called radical pruning.

You can propagate in several ways, each of them is interesting in its own way. Gardeners choose the most suitable method for themselves.

Growing spirea from seeds Only breeders are involved in developing a new variety. For an ordinary gardener, this process is labor-intensive, time-consuming and practically unsuccessful. But even a gardener who does not have much experience in this matter can propagate spirea by cuttings.

Cuttings carried out after the bush has finished flowering. Knowledgeable gardeners It is advised to plant spirea in the fall so that it takes root well and is strong. Select the strongest shoot and divide it into cuttings, which should have at least five buds.

Plant them in a moist substrate at a 45° slope. Place the cut on top plastic bottle with the lid closed. Do it in a week air baths, unscrewing the plug periodically. Before the onset of frost, the sprout should be insulated (with small branches or leaves). Later you can cover it with snow.
Dividing the bush carried out after autumn pruning. The location of root separation is visually assessed. Each bush should have strong shoots, at least two, and a good root system.

Beginners and experienced gardeners love spirea bushes for their attractive and beautiful view, fast growth rate, winter hardiness and ease of care. Shrubs are divided into two categories: spring and summer flowering. In spring, spirea blooms with thin, arching branches and cascading large clusters of white flowers. In summer, the bush has pink, white or red flowers on vertical shoots. Both varieties are prized for their shapes and vibrant colors. Flowering duration is about 6 weeks. The original bush, with many branches that are densely covered with white flowers, is called “May snow”, “bride”.

Is it difficult to grow?

This plant is hardy and thrives in almost any climate. climatic zone. Bushes for planting in large quantities offer shops for gardeners. You need to purchase spirea for your plot in spring or autumn. Depending on the variety, the plant has different heights. Therefore, ask in advance what size an adult bush will reach, so as not to make a mistake with the choice of planting site. Spiraea is great for landscape design, creating a border on a site, as a hedging tool, and for planting a perennial garden.

Preparing for landing

According to the advice and observations of gardeners, spirea develops well in sunny areas with loose, fertile soil. Ornamental shrub must be planted taking into account the design of the site. Please note that the distance between plants when planted in the form of a hedge is maintained at least 50 cm. When placed alone, this distance can be increased. The root system must be prepared before planting. If it is open, then damage to the shoots is clearly visible, which must be removed with sharp garden pruners.

The angle of the cut should be smooth, clear, and not wrinkled and wet.

Be sure to adjust the crown of the bush. Overgrown branches should be shortened by a third. If the roots are very dry, the shoots are cut off a little more. When purchasing a spirea with an earthen lump on the root system, you will need to water it abundantly so that it softens and only then can it be lowered into a hole for planting.

Landing

A separate hole is dug or a trench is dug for each plant. The width is chosen based on the volume of the root system, usually 50x50 cm. The hole must be dug in advance so that the hole can dry and ventilate. The depth of the hole is 50 cm. The plant is lowered into it so that the root collar is at the level of the soil surface. Prepare the mixture for pouring into the hole:

sand;
Earth;
peat.

Maintain proportions 1:2:1. You need to straighten the roots in the hole and then fill them up soil mixture. Loosely trample the ground around the bush and mulch with peat. It is preferable to carry out gardening work in the fall, in September, early October. Transplanting spirea in the fall will allow the plant to strengthen before the onset of frost.

Rules for caring for spirea garden shrubs

Planting and care is of particular importance for those who want to get great flowering bush. This is achieved through properly selected and prepared soil. On scarce soil it will not be possible to form a lush and spreading spirea shrub.

Clay soils when planting spirea require mandatory drainage of brick, crushed stone and sand of at least 15 cm.

Spiraea is unpretentious; it can withstand severe frosts and dry weather. The plant is not susceptible to attack garden pests and diseases. Loosening is not included in the mandatory list and is purely aesthetic.

It is advisable to cover a spirea seedling planted in autumn special material so that it can more easily endure low winter temperatures.

Watering

Spiraea, planted in the spring, has not yet developed its root system sufficiently, so it needs regular soil moisture. During the dry summer months, flowering spirea varieties require abundant watering. Moist soil around the bush will provide favorable conditions and allow the spirea to grow stronger. Spiraea, which blooms in spring, does not depend much on regular soil moisture. The exception is those seedlings that were planted recently.

Mulching the soil will provide additional convenience. It will retain the moisture of the soil under the bush longer. The roots lie close to the surface; in the summer months, 15 liters of water for each bush twice a week is sufficient.

Top dressing

Fertile soil is already a good basis for growth and development, so the application of fertilizers is not as important as in poor and meager soils. Spiraea is fertilized in early spring. After pruning, mineral fertilizers (complex) are applied. In mid-summer, mullein and 10 g of superphosphate are used for each plant.

Trimming

For a beautiful crown and lush flowering It is necessary to periodically clean the bush of dead, diseased and broken branches at any time of the year. Spiraea can be subjected to serious pruning and this will only benefit it. Pruning spirea in autumn is most preferable. The plant is preparing for winter season and extra branches will weaken the bush in the spring. When you prune spirea after winter, pay attention to the tips of the shoots. It is necessary to remove those that have frozen. This procedure will ensure beautiful flowering.

A shrub that blooms in summer is pruned with the onset of spring. Those that bloom in spring are subjected to this procedure immediately after flowering ends. On plants over 10 years old, all signs of aging must be removed so that it can form a new crown. Typically the lifespan of a shrub is 20 years.

Some gardeners consider pruning spirea an unnecessary task. In this case, you risk getting unkempt thickets with a lot of dry branches and poor flowering.

Reproduction

Propagation of spirea by cuttings

The spirea plant is very convenient and unpretentious; propagation is carried out in several ways: cuttings, shoots and seeds, and the latter option is not suitable for hybrid plants, since seeds do not appear on them or do not have the characteristics of the mother bush.

Spring is the best time to plant seeds. They are buried in high peat and well moistened. Germination will take 10 days. Next, they are picked, when the spirea is transplanted into open ground, cloudy weather or evening is needed. Provide mulching and regular watering. In a year, spirea can grow up to 10 cm in height. The first flowering can be expected in the 3rd year of the plant’s life.

To propagate spirea by cuttings, woody shoots or very young green shoots are used. For spirea blooming in spring, cuttings are used in June, and summer plants - in July. To develop the root system, water the cuttings well and keep them in high humidity. Spring and the first leaves are the time for propagation by cutting. The lower branches are bent to the ground, pinned with a wire bracket and sprinkled with soil. Regular watering will ensure good rooting, and independent shrubs will form in the spring. For winter it is necessary to sprinkle with dry leaves.

Spiraea looks great in picturesque compositions and is rightfully popular among gardeners and landscape designers. Lush flowering shrubs attract attention and delight the eye.

Green cuttings of spirea - video

Among ornamental shrubs, spirea occupies a special place. She is surprisingly unpretentious and easily forgives the gardener even the most unobtrusive care. A wide variety of shapes and types allows you to choose the plant that best fits into the surrounding landscape to decorate your site. Planting and caring for spirea is not difficult; even a novice gardener can handle it.

Spiraea: types and varieties

The genus Spiraea belongs to the rose family and is quite numerous, it includes more than 70 species. The distribution area of this deciduous shrub is wide. It can be found in the northern hemisphere in most climate zones. Spiraea rarely has single flowers; most often they are collected in a corymbose inflorescence, sometimes in a panicle. The color of the flowers depends on the flowering time of the species. Plants that bloom in spring have white flowers that bloom on last year's shoots; in species that bloom in summer, the pink-crimson color scheme predominates; the flowers are located on annual growths.

The most common types.

Medium spirea is an inhabitant of Siberian and Far Eastern forests, a tall shrub - above 2 m with white corymbose flowers that open in May and do not fall for 3 weeks, frost-resistant and drought-resistant, used in landscaping, suitable for northern regions.
Spiraea birch leaf - grows in Siberia, from 1 to 2 m high, white flowers are collected in huge shields - up to 10 cm in diameter, blooms at the end of May and blooms throughout June.
Spiraea crenate - has been used in landscaping for 200 years; there are cultivated hybrid varieties. In nature it is a low shrub, up to only 1 m, that blooms at the end of May. Quite large flowers are collected in corymbose inflorescences; due to the large number of long yellow stamens, they seem to have a golden hue. This type of spirea is drought- and frost-resistant and can be used to strengthen floating soils.
Spiraea St. John's wort is a shrub up to 1 m high, flowering in May-June, white flowers, used to obtain new plant forms.
Gray spirea is the result of crossing the previous species and whitish-gray spirea, has a high decorative varieties, blooming in spring. The most favorite variety of this species among gardeners is Spiraea Grefsheim. The shoots of a tall bush bend towards the ground under the weight of flowers that completely cover the bush. The flowering is so abundant that the leaves are almost invisible.
Spiraea oakleaf - blooms in umbrella-shaped inflorescences of white flowers with a large number of protruding stamens for 25 days, flowering occurs in May-June. The species is used in culture and tolerates shearing well.
Spiraea Nipponensis came to us from Japan - this highly ornamental shrub, 1-2 m high, is decorated with yellowish-white shields of inflorescences that appear in June. It is not frost-resistant; in severe winters the tops of the shoots freeze, but quickly recover. The most famous variety is Snowound. Great amount flowers on a bush up to 1.5 m high makes it very decorative during flowering. The width of the bush is 2 times the height.
Spiraea Vangutta is no less decorative - hybrid species, blooming very profusely in June-July with white flowers collected in corymbs. The bush has an average height and can freeze slightly in frosty winters.
Japanese spirea is quite thermophilic, but due to the small height of the bush - up to 1 m - it overwinters without loss, covered with snow. The most interesting varieties: Little Princess and Shirobana. Little Princess - a bush up to 80 cm high and up to 1.2 m wide blooms very profusely in June-July pink flowers, collected in small scutes, grows slowly. Shirobana is a bush up to 0.8 m high and up to 0.6 m wide, blooms in mid-summer. Flowers in corymbose inflorescences have three colors - white, pink and crimson; if you trim the faded inflorescences, new ones will decorate the bush for another month.
The lovely spirea stands out among other species because it blooms twice: in June on last year’s shoots and in July and August on newly grown shoots. The flowers are collected in complex corymbs and can be white or pale pink. The species is not frost-resistant - down to -18 degrees, so in middle lane winters under cover.
Spiraea Bumalda is a decorative hybrid species that also has a yellow-leaved form. The bush is low - up to 0.8 m in width and height. It blooms for more than 3 months with bright pink flowers in large corymbs. Most famous variety– Anthony Waterer.
Spiraea willow leaves grow wild in Siberia. The tall bush blooms in July and August with bright pink flowers collected in pyramidal panicles.
Douglas spirea grows above 2 m. In the second half of summer it is decorated with pink flowers collected in paniculate inflorescences.
By crossing the previous species and the willow spirea, Billard's spirea was obtained. The tall frost-resistant shrub blooms in the second half of summer and is decorated with large paniculate inflorescences of pink color until frost.
The hybrid lilac-colored spirea also blooms for a long time; only the paniculate inflorescences have a lilac-pink color, in accordance with the name. The bush can grow up to 2 m.

Spiraea: growing features

Spiraea are unpretentious, but with the right compassionate care give abundant flowering. Different flowering times dictate different pruning times. Some species and varieties have their own special preferences regarding soil and care. Most spireas prefer humus-rich, but not heavy soil without stagnant water, but they will do well in not too fertile soil. To prevent the roots from getting wet, they need drainage. But before you plant a plant, it needs to be propagated.

Shrub propagation

It is very easy to propagate spirea. Some species produce root shoots that can be planted. Parts of the divided bush take root well. Flexible shoots allow layering to be rooted. To propagate all species, you can use cuttings, and for non-hybrid forms and varieties you can also sow seeds.

Cuttings

When the cutting is rooted, you will get an exact copy of the parent plant. Green cuttings of early-flowering varieties are cut at the beginning of June, and for late-flowering varieties - at the end of the month. For already lignified cuttings, the best time for rooting is autumn, September or October.

An annual green shoot is cut and cut into pieces with 5-6 leaves.
Delete bottom pair leaves, the rest are shortened by half.
Place the lower cut in a vessel with Epin solution for 12 hours.
It is treated with a powdered root formation stimulator.
Planted in a container with loose soil sprinkled with a layer of sand at an angle of about 40 degrees to stimulate root formation.
Cover with film or a glass jar and place in a lacy shade under the trees.
Moisten the soil in the cuttings, preventing it from drying out, and spray the cuttings themselves several times a day.
In autumn, the container is dug into the soil, mulched with fallen leaves and covered with a wooden box.
In spring the cover is removed. After young shoots appear, the plants are planted in the garden in a permanent place.

Propagation by seeds

In non-hybrid varieties and species, seed germination reaches 80%. They are collected when the boxes turn brown, but have not yet opened. Ripen in the room for 2 weeks. You can sow both before winter and in spring. Seeds do not require stratification. Seedlings dive when 2 true leaves are formed. Further care: watering as needed, 2 feedings with complete mineral fertilizer. In autumn, seedlings are planted in a seedling bed, and in next year to a permanent place. They begin to bloom in the 3rd year.

Planting in open ground

Proper planting is the key to abundant flowering and healthy plants. It is very important to comply optimal distance between plants to provide them with the necessary nutritional area. When laying a hedge, it is enough to plant spirea 30 cm from each other, for normal landing the distance should be greater, since the bushes grow greatly in width: for tall varieties - about 1 m, for short varieties - 0.8 m.

Selection of planting material

Now there are many varieties and hybrids of spirea on sale. The choice of plant depends primarily on what place in landscape design a specific area will be occupied by spirea. For a hedge you will need many plants of the same type, it is better if they are tall. As a tapeworm, you can plant an openwork bush with long flowering. On an alpine hill, low-growing compact varieties would be appropriate. But no matter what variety you choose, the plant must have a developed and healthy root system, consisting of 3 taproots and a well-developed lobe covered with clay mash. When planting in spring, there are no swollen buds, but when planting in autumn, the leaves are already flying. It is best to choose a seedling grown in a container - it can be planted throughout the growing season.

How and when to plant?

Spiraea is planted in pre-dug holes. Their size should be slightly larger than the root system of the plant. Typically the depth is about 70 cm, 20 of which is drainage from expanded clay or brick fragments. The diameter of the hole is determined by the size of the roots.

Landing algorithm:

a plant is placed on a mound of earth poured in a hole, straightening the roots;
add more soil, taking into account that the root collar is strictly at soil level;
water the planting circle using 2 to 3 buckets of water;
mulch the soil around the bush with a layer of peat 7 cm thick.

Planting time depends on the chosen variety: late-flowering ones are planted in the spring, early-flowering ones in the fall, but no later than 3-4 weeks before the onset of frost.

Soil and site preparation

The planting site should be well lit by the sun, with slight shading allowed during the day. It must be remembered that spirea does not bloom well in the shade.

This plant is undemanding to soil. The preferred soil for spirea is light turf or leaf soil, with a neutral or slightly acidic soil reaction. Heavy clay soils improve by adding sand and peat; light sandy ones should add a little clay. From fertilizers you can add st. spoons of long-acting ABA fertilizer for each bush. This amount will be enough for the plant for several years.

Nuances of planting in spring and autumn

If a variety blooms in summer, it is better to plant it in the spring; early-blooming varieties are planted in the fall, but so that the bushes take root before the onset of frost. In both cases, the plants must be at rest. In the spring, the buds should not yet swell, and in the fall the leaf fall should already end.

Care for spirea in open ground

An unpretentious plant does not require special measures care, but timely feeding and watering will provide it with maximum decorativeness.

How to water correctly?

Spiraea is a drought-resistant plant, but in extreme heat and in the absence of rain for a long time it needs to be watered. This is especially true for recently planted bushes. For an adult plant, the watering norm is 1.5 buckets per bush. For low-growing species and one bucket of varieties is enough. It is enough to water once every 2 weeks, thoroughly soaking the root layer.

Fertilizer and feeding

In order for spirea to grow and bloom well, they should be fed regularly.

You can choose the following power plan:

in spring, nitrogen mineral or organic fertilizer; for early flowering varieties you need additional feeding complete mineral fertilizer with microelements;
in June, plants are fed with complete mineral fertilizer;
at the end of August, fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium salts is needed so that the spirea is better prepared for winter.

At the end of summer, spirea should not be fed with any fertilizers containing nitrogen; this can provoke the growth of new shoots that will not have time to ripen and will freeze in winter.

All fertilizers can be applied both in dry and liquid form, combining them with watering. The next day, the soil around the plant needs to be loosened.

Spirea pruning

It is carried out over several periods, depending on the purpose.

Spring pruning is sanitary. Only dry and frost-damaged shoots are removed.
Formative. Blooming in summer on the current year's shoots, spirea is pruned in the spring immediately after the snow melts, combining formative pruning with sanitary pruning. Remove thin branches that thicken the bush - they will not give good flowering. U different types Spiraea has its own subtleties in pruning. Pruning of spirea Douglas and Boumald begins only in the fourth year of life. Miniature varieties, not exceeding 40 cm in height, are cut into 2 buds. Shoots with foliage that does not match the color of the variety are cut out. After flowering, the seed pods are removed if there is no need for seeds - this promotes the re-blooming of the inflorescences. It is enough to cut off a third of the shoot. The green hedge is trimmed to give the required shape. Spring-flowering spirea are formed after flowering, cutting off the shoots at the level of strong young growth. The crown of the bush should be symmetrical.
Anti-aging pruning. It is carried out on adult bushes, starting from the 7th year of life. Remove all old shoots, leaving no more than 5-7 young shoots, while maintaining the symmetry of the bush. It is better to carry out such pruning in several stages so as not to weaken the bush too much.

Preparing for winter

The first wintering of a newly planted bush is a serious test. But adult plants, despite the frost resistance of most varieties and species, also need to be prepared for winter. For many of them, it is enough to feed the plants in August with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, carry out moisture-recharging irrigation after leaf fall and mulch the tree trunk circle with humus.

For less frost-resistant varieties you will have to build a shelter:

tie branches into a bundle;
bend the bundle to the ground, fixing it with special fasteners;
covered with dry leaves;
add additional snow.

Plant diseases and pests

Spiraea rarely suffers from disease, but in damp summers it can be damaged by powdery mildew and gray mold. To eliminate them, copper-containing fungicides, Fitosporin, and colloidal sulfur are used.

Some of the most common pests include aphids, blue meadowsawfly, whitefly and spider mites. Insecticides are effective against the first three: Fitoverm, Actellik. Insectoacaricides suitable against ticks: Metaphos.

The nuances of growing in Siberia, the Urals, and the Moscow region

Almost all varieties and types of spirea are suitable for cultivation in central Russia. Shrubs such as Japanese and Nippon spirea need additional winter shelter.

In the Urals the climate is more severe. In its southern part, almost all types of spirea will grow well. In the middle zone and, especially in the north, preference should be given to frost-resistant shrubs. The same can be said about spirea in Siberia. Only low-growing varieties capable of overwintering under the snow without much loss. If medium and tall plants are not covered, then they are guaranteed to constantly freeze in the winter; decorativeness and abundant flowering cannot be achieved in such conditions.

Correctly selected varieties of spirea can create a flowering conveyor throughout the entire growing season and will be a real decoration of any garden.

When the beauty of a plant is combined with unpretentiousness, it becomes welcome guest on any site. The variety of types and varieties of spirea only increases its advantages when choosing garden plants. Planting and caring for spirea requires a minimum of effort. The perennial is famous for its undemanding nature, resistance to frost and stunning beauty of flowering.

Features of the plant

Spiraea is a perennial from the Rosaceae family. The plant is distributed in many parts of the world and grows equally well in mountainous regions as well as in steppes and forests. Gardeners respect spirea for its resistance to adverse conditions. Frost-resistant varieties of shrubs are especially popular.

The main feature of the perennial is its lush flowering. Spiraea flowers themselves are small, no more than 2 cm, but they are collected in large spicate, paniculate, corymbose or pyramidal inflorescences that will decorate any country cottage area. The color of spirea flowers ranges from white to pink and deep red. Budding begins in spring or summer and can last until the onset of cold weather.

The shoots of spirea species are straight, creeping or spreading. The leaves are rich green, lanceolate or oval. The height of the bush, depending on the variety, varies from 20 cm to 2 m. There are dwarf varieties that do not exceed 14 cm in height. The shrub is characterized by active growth. Average term plant life is 20 years.

Growing shrubs is accessible even to gardening neophytes for the following reasons:

the plant does not require light, grows equally well both in the sun and in the shade;
not susceptible to pest attacks, disease resistant;
tolerates heat, withstands cold winters;
tolerates pruning well.

Popular types

There are more than a hundred varieties of shrubs, every gardener will choose suitable variety for your site. Spiraea differ not only in the height of the bush, but also in the shape of the branches, leaves, and the shade of the inflorescences. There are spireas that bloom in spring; they are distinguished by the white color of their flowers. A separate group form summer-flowering shrubs, mainly with bright inflorescences. There are hybrids with variegated and yellow leaves.

Popular varieties of spirea for the site:

Spiraea Wangutta is a tall specimen and can grow up to 2 m and higher. Cascading bush with white corymbose inflorescences. It grows quickly and densely and blooms very luxuriantly. A frequent inhabitant of the area, it has received the names white bride and snow white for its beauty.
Douglas spirea is a species up to 1.5 m high and up to 2 m wide. It is interesting for its paniculate inflorescences of pink flowers. It develops quickly, budding begins in the summer.
Billard's spirea is a hybrid of willow spirea and Douglas. Feature of the species: tall growth, bright pink panicle inflorescences.
Nipponskaya is a spherical shrub up to 1.5 m tall. The most popular variety is Spiraea Nippon snowound. Its characteristic features: large diameter, curved branches, lush white inflorescences.
Willow is another tall representative. A bush with erect branches reaches 2 m. Inflorescence panicles are formed from white or pink flowers.
Macrophylla - variety Japanese spirea. It has long leaves that change color depending on the season: purple in spring, green in summer, yellowish in autumn. Summer flowering variety.
Spiraea Crispa is also a representative Japanese look. This is a dwarf shrub, not exceeding 0.6 m. The inflorescences are formed from purple flowers. The decorative value lies in the leaves, which change color from reddish to yellow throughout the year.
Arguta (sharp-toothed) is a spreading tall bush characterized by early flowering. By the end of May, you can notice white inflorescences on slightly drooping branches, which makes it look like a waterfall. In addition, Argut spirea has a pleasant aroma.
Spiraea thunberga is a mountain species native to Korea, Japan and China. The inflorescences are umbrella-shaped of white flowers that bloom in May. The species bears fruit from the age of three.

Frost-resistant spirea occupy a special place. Species adapted to unfavorable conditions are suitable for cultivation in the Urals and Siberia. These include: gray spirea, arguta, Vangutta, Thunberga.

Reproduction of spirea: all methods

If one spirea bush on the site is not enough, it is easy to make a whole hedge from it with your own hands. The best time for reproduction is spring or autumn. Optimal weather conditions: should be warm but cloudy.

Both vegetative and seed methods are used. The latter is not used for hybrid varieties, since all varietal characteristics of the mother plant are lost. The advantage of the seed method is a large number of seedlings in one procedure. Seed pods are cut off immature, in the middle (for early flowering) or late summer.

The shoots with fruits are placed in an open box and aged for 14 days. Then the spilled seeds are collected and planted in spring or late autumn. To do this, the material is placed immediately in “mature” soil and kept moist until germination. After about 2 months, when the sprouts have stretched by 1.5-2 cm, picking is carried out. Spring plantings can be moved to the main bed in the fall, autumn plantings can be moved next spring.

Vegetative methods of propagation of spirea:

Cuttings. The method allows you to preserve all varietal characteristics of the species. Harvesting and planting is carried out in the fall. Lignified branches of the first year growing straight upward are selected. At least 5 leaves are left on each cutting, the top ones are cut in half, the bottom ones are removed. Before planting, each cutting is kept in a growth stimulant solution for at least 10 hours, then each cut is sprinkled with Kornevin powder. Planting is done in damp sand, the cuttings are placed at a slight angle. Until winter, seedlings are kept in the shade and in constant humidity. For the winter, containers with plantings are dug into the ground and covered. By spring, young spirea are transplanted to the garden bed, and in the fall they are moved to a permanent place.
Dividing the bush. The method is used at any time of the year, except winter, but it is best to divide spirea in the fall, when the bush does not require special care. Plantings 3-4 years old are used, since older plants have a powerful root system and are more difficult to dig up. The bush removed from the soil is immediately placed in a basin of water for an hour, then taken apart. On each of the divisions there should be at least 4-5 strong roots and a strong root lobe. Planting is carried out according to the standard scheme.
By layering. The method is used when you need to obtain a small number of seedlings. In the spring, with the appearance of buds, some shoots are pressed to the ground, for example, with pins, and sprinkled with soil. To ensure rooting occurs faster, the first buds of the mother plant are removed. It is also necessary to maintain constant soil moisture. For the winter, plants are protected from frost. The following spring, the cuttings are separated from the original bush and transplanted to a permanent location.

How to plant

Planting in open ground is carried out either in early spring or in autumn before leaf fall. Spring planting is preferable for summer-flowering varieties. A well-lit area is selected. Although the plant can withstand partial shade, a large amount of sun will only have a positive effect on its development, and a deficiency will lead to smaller flowers.

Spiraea should be planted in loose soil with a slightly acidic reaction. To fill the hole, a mixture of sand, peat and garden soil is prepared in a ratio of 1:1:2. The prepared soil is watered abundantly and left for several days.

Planting stages:

The hole is dug twice as large as the root system of the seedling, its parameters are approximately 50x50 cm. Before planting, the hole must be ventilated and dry. A 15 cm drainage layer of broken brick, crushed stone or coarse sand is laid at its bottom.
If several spirea are planted to create a hedge, a distance of at least 50 cm is maintained between the holes. It is allowed to dig a trench. It is also necessary to maintain distance when planting next to other plants, since the root system of spirea grows significantly over time.
Before planting, the exposed root system must be inspected. All damaged roots must be removed with pruning shears.
The crown of the seedling needs preliminary pruning. The shoots are shortened by about a third using pruning shears. If the root system is dry, more shoots need to be removed.
If the seedling has a closed root system, it is watered abundantly and only then moved to the prepared hole.
The seedling is placed in a hole, leaving the root collar at soil level. The roots need to be straightened.
The plant is sprinkled with the prepared soil mixture, trampled down a little and watered. The tree trunk circle is covered with a layer of peat mulch.

Advice
If planting is done in the fall, the young plant must be covered during the cold weather.

How to care for spirea in open ground

Caring for spirea is not difficult. The main requirement is moderate hydration. The roots lie close to the surface and can dry out. The plant needs to be watered more often, especially in hot weather. 15 liters of water twice a week is enough for one bush. A layer of mulch will protect the roots from moisture loss.

Loosening the soil is carried out carefully due to the close-lying root system. All weeds must be removed. You don’t have to remove the mulch, just refresh the layer a little each time.

During the first years of its life, spirea increases its green mass; budding occurs only in the third year. When caring for spirea, you should periodically apply fertilizer to ensure long and abundant flowering. After autumn pruning, you need to add a mineral complex for flowering plants. In summer, the bush is fertilized with organic matter, for example, mullein solution. You can add a little superphosphate to it - about the size of a matchbox in a bucket of liquid.

Trimming - mandatory procedure in caring for flowering shrubs, as they grow quickly and sometimes unevenly. Manipulation is carried out in the spring. In early flowering varieties, only the tips of the shoots must be removed at the end of flowering. In other species, the branches are cut by a third, while the large bud is left in place. It is better to remove weak shoots completely. The larger the pruning, the more the bush grows.

Advice
Weak and diseased branches are removed at any time of the year.

Growing spirea fascinates not only beginners, but also master gardeners. It's nice to get a lush flowering bush without any effort. special effort. Spiraea combines well with other plantings on the site and serves as an excellent frame for paths and ponds. Spiraea is not only a decorative member of the landscape, but also strengthens the soil and is even used for medicinal purposes.

Spirea got its name from the Greek “speira” - spiral. The branches of most types of ornamental shrubs bend gracefully, forming thick fluffy caps of flowers. In our country, spirea is mistakenly called meadowsweet because of its external resemblance to this herbaceous plant.

The deciduous spirea shrub usually does not exceed two meters in height. The shape of the bush, color and type of inflorescences depend on the variety. There are spring-flowering and summer-flowering bushes. Bloom more abundantly early species, but the bushes that bloom by mid-summer decorate front gardens, parks, squares and garden plots for a long time. Even after the flower petals fly off, spirea delights with the bright colors of autumn leaves, turning orange, bright red or yellow.

Features of cultivation and types of spirea

Spirea bushes, which can be short - 15 cm, and large - up to 2 m, are very popular. The plant is unpretentious, well adapted to heat and frost, easy to care for, and there are so many varieties that you can create compositions from them that bloom from spring to late autumn.

Plants of this species are light-loving, frost-resistant and undemanding to the soil. Spiraea are very good for urban environments because they tolerate atmospheric pollution well. The bushes grow very quickly and begin to bloom in the third year.

The nuances in growing spirea are related to which species a particular bush belongs to - early or late flowering. This factor affects the time and duration of flowering, and also determines the characteristics of planting and pruning. The bushes that bloom in spring come to life in May, covered with white inflorescences. In summer varieties, the inflorescences are colored predominantly pink-crimson.

Not many ornamental shrubs are able to live, like spirea, for up to forty years in not the most favorable conditions.

Planting spirea

Plant spirea better in autumn, after leaf fall. Some varieties tolerate spring planting well, but it must be done before the leaves begin to bloom. When planting, it is important to choose the right place: the area should be sunny with rich, heterogeneous soil.

When planting a hedge, you need to leave gaps of about half a meter between the bushes. In a group, spirea are planted at a distance of 50-70 cm. For each plant, dig a hole one third larger than the size of the root system (about 50x50 cm). The depth of the hole is 50 cm. Do not plant the bushes on the same day; let the planting site ventilate for three to four days.

Before planting, keep the seedlings in water for several hours and remove damaged roots. Determine where the root collar is located; it should be at its level upper layer land.

Before planting, place the mixture in the hole:

Sod land - 2 parts.
Peat – 1 part.
Sand or broken brick- 1 part.

Spread the roots, fill the hole with soil and trample down a little. Pour two buckets of water and mulch the soil with peat.

Attention! Clay soil must be fluffed up by adding drainage from crushed stone and sand. Layer height is about 20 cm.

Features of caring for spirea

Spiraea knows how to be beautiful without requiring increased attention to its person. Provide it with fertile, loose soil, sufficient light, and good drainage - and it will bloom for many years. During the season it needs to be fed only three times. Only young bushes need winter insulation. The main difficulty in caring for bushes is proper pruning.

At landscape plantings Spiraea is surprisingly multifunctional, which is explained by the variety of varieties. Low bushes fit organically into rockeries. Group of bushes different varieties look impressive against the backdrop of lawns and next to pines, junipers, spruces and other conifers.

When watering spirea, you need to observe the measure. The plant loves moisture, but stagnation of water is destructive for it. Make sure that the ground under the bush is moistened, but keep in mind that moisture remains under the spreading branches for a long time. Mulch the soil and, in hot weather, water each bush with one or two buckets of water every 10 days.

Feeding and fertilizer

In order for the bush to bloom abundantly in early spring, it is advisable to feed it with Kemira Universal (100 g per square meter). Feeding will increase immunity, spirea will not get sick. Complex mineral fertilizer is also well received.

In July, feed the spirea with a mixture of mullein (bird droppings) and superphosphate. It is not difficult to prepare the composition: 10 liters of diluted mullein and 10 g of superphosphate. If your spirea grows in fertile soil, it does not need to be fed. You can start feeding in the second year.

Trimming

Spring-blooming spireas only need pruning to remove old shoots and dry branches. Prune the branches immediately after flowering ends.

Summer-flowering bushes can be pruned with the onset of spring, starting in the fourth year. The haircut should be drastic, since spirea of later types quickly lose their shape. Old shoots will fall to the ground under their own weight. If you cut off only the tops, the new shoots will be thinner and the inflorescences will be small.

Advice. If you're worried about cutting your plant short, experiment by cutting only half the bush and compare the results in mid-summer.

To activate flowering, you can prune the shoots in the summer, removing a third of the length. In this case, side shoots. When the branching branches grow back, remove the thin shoots below the branching point. As a result of such pruning, branching will increase and access of light and air to the entire plant will improve.

Flowering of early varieties occurs on the shoots of the previous year. In single bushes, weakened branches are cut off, leaving strong and healthy ones. Spiraea grows very quickly, so you can safely remove a fifth of the shoots in the fall by cutting them off at ground level. In spring the shoots will grow with renewed vigor.

Twisted and weakened branches should be removed after flowering or in early autumn, leaving strong growth. Once every two to three years, spirea is carefully thinned out, cutting out the branches inside the bush. Radical thinning is carried out every seven to ten years, leaving only a few of the most viable branches.

Autumn pruning

In the first years, while the root system is forming, the spirea cannot be severely pruned. Pruning and thinning of mature plants should be carried out regularly. In autumn, new shoots are cut to the level of the buds above the woody part of the branch, and form the shape of a bush. After such a haircut in the spring, the shoots will branch and form a dense bush. Advice. Be sure to trim the inside of the bush - this measure prevents the formation of mold, the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and the proliferation of pests.

Before the onset of the first frost, stimulating pruning is carried out. In a plant that has reached 3-4 years of age, all woody branches are removed at a height of about 30 cm. This pruning will allow it to recover until spring, and new side shoots will bloom safely by mid-summer.

Old bushes 15-20 years old and plants damaged by pests can be rejuvenated by deep pruning in the fall. The bush is pruned to ground level, and in the spring it will begin to develop anew from the buds at the root collar. Do not leave stumps on which branches from lateral buds will begin to grow in the spring - they will be weak and will worsen the decorative appearance of the bush.

It is also better to trim hedges in the fall. Firstly, this way the plants will be prepared for wintering, and secondly, you will save spring time, when summer residents already have enough worries. The best time for autumn pruning is September-October.

Spirea transplant

All varieties of spirea tolerate autumn replanting well. Moving to a new location can be done in the fall, when the leaves begin to change color. Choose a cloudy day to transplant. Remove the dried parts, cut the skeletal branches to the bud on the woody shoot. Old branches that are not removed will dry out, so cut them without hesitation.

Reproduction

There are three options for propagating spirea: seeds, cuttings and layering.

Propagation by seeds.

For some varieties (Van Gutta, Billarda, Boumalda, etc.), seed propagation is not used because the seedlings are heterogeneous. In early spring, seeds are placed in containers with soil. When the sprouts become stronger, they are moved to the garden bed, pinched to the main root. This is done so that a powerful root system can develop. The seedlings will begin to bloom in three to four years, and before that they must be carefully cared for. Water young plants frequently, loosen the soil and weed.

Cuttings

With this type of propagation, the characteristics of the variety are preserved as much as possible. Cut the semi-lignified shoots into 10 cm pieces. To activate the formation of roots, use “Kornevin”. Before planting, dip the ends of the cuttings in the solution. Cuttings planted in mid-summer will form roots by autumn.

Reproduction by layering

This simple and reliable propagation method is good when you only need to get a few new bushes. When the leaves begin to bloom in the spring, bend a branch to the ground, pin it with wire and cover it with soil. You can tie the branches to a peg in a vertical position. Moisten the soil moderately throughout the season and you will have a new plant by fall or next spring. The development process can be accelerated by removing the first inflorescences on young bushes.

Bloom

The universal love for spirea is explained by its long and abundant flowering. Numerous small flowers are collected in pyramidal, paniculate, spike-shaped or corymbose inflorescences. Early varieties white, summer flowers bloom in pink, lilac or crimson colors.

The effectiveness of the bushes is explained by the duration and different terms flowering, as well as how the inflorescences are located on the branches. In some species, the inflorescences completely cover the shoots, in others only the upper parts bloom, in others the ends of the branches bloom. Spring varieties of spirea bloom profusely, but not for long, and flowering summer species lasts until mid-autumn.

Problems, diseases, pests

Spireas get sick quite rarely; with timely treatment, they quickly recover and do not lose their decorative properties.

Aphid

Damages leaves, young shoots and pedicels of the plant. Lives in colonies. The period of active reproduction of aphids is June-August.

Rosaceae miner

It settles in mid-summer on the surface of leaves and goes into the ground at the end of July.

Rose leaf roller

Appears at an average temperature of +13°C (late May - early June). The caterpillars roll the leaves into a tube and chew them out. If urgent measures are not taken, the pest may destroy the plant.

Spider mite

After wintering under fallen leaves, female mites move to young leaves, weave a web around the bush and lay eggs. The spider mite reproduces so actively that the entire spirea becomes covered with whitish spots, turns yellow and loses its leaves. Spider mites are especially dangerous in dry summers.

Pests can be defeated using agrotechnical, biological and chemical measures. The main weapon is spraying the bushes in dry summers, watering and fertilizing.

Granular pyrimor is suitable for controlling aphids. At the beginning of the growing season (April), a 5% solution (15 g per square meter) is added to the soil at a shallow depth (2-5 cm).

Aphids, rose leaf miners and leaf rollers do not like the effects of drugs:

pyrimor - 0.1%;
actellik - 0.1%;
hostakvik - 0.1%;
kronefos - 0.3%;
fozalon - 0.1-0.2%;
ethafos - 0.2%.

Advice. For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to combine biological products with pesticides. To kill aphids and leaf rollers, mix 0.7 percent bitoxybacillin and 0.03 percent pyrimor.

Spider mites will disappear after treatment with phosphamide, keltan, fozalon, metafos, karbofos or acrex. With timely initiation of treatment, when no more than three mites settle on a leaf, the result comes quickly.

Common varieties of spirea

Spiraea japonica

Spiraea japonica

Reaches 1.2-1.5 m in height. The upper leaves are lighter than the lower ones. The complex, deep pink inflorescences continue to bloom throughout the summer.

Spiraea Gray

Spiraea Gray

It blooms in May-June with white to light gray inflorescences. It grows up to two meters and looks very attractive thanks to its generous flowering and graceful branches.

Spiraea Grefsteim

Spiraea Grefsteim

The variety of gray spirea is characterized by frost resistance and long spring flowering. It blooms so thickly that “Grefsheim” is called “May snow.”

Spiraea white

Spiraea white

The one and a half meter shrub grows up to a meter in diameter. Blooms in summer. The panicles of the inflorescences reach 15 centimeters in length. White spirea is moisture-loving and requires regular watering.

Spiraea Shirobana

Spiraea Shirobana

This variety is also called red spirea. Bushes up to 70 cm with a meter diameter. Young leaves and branches are bright red, spirea inflorescences are pink to bright crimson.

Spiraea looseleaf

Spiraea looseleaf

This variety takes root well on the banks of reservoirs. The leaves of the willow spirea are elongated, and the pink panicles of the inflorescences are pleasing from May to July.

Spiraea Boumalda

The medium-sized bush grows up to 80 cm. It is distinguished by its spherical shape and bright pink flowering.

Spiraea Golden Princess

Small bushes no taller than half a meter look like golden mounds with pink flowers. Continues to bloom from mid-summer to late autumn, maintaining the color of the leaves.

Spiraea Nippon

Spiraea Nippon

Spring spirea is very showy, with thin arched branches and abundant flowering. A two-meter bush with a very spreading crown.

Spiraea birch leaf

This variety owes its name to the elliptical shape of the leaves. A low, spherical shrub. By autumn the leaves turn bright yellow.

Spiraea douglas

Spiraea douglas

The late-flowering variety reaches 1.5 meters in height. Flowering lasts 45 days.

Spiraea thunberg

Spiraea thunberg

A low, early-flowering variety no higher than one and a half meters. The shrub is decorative thanks to its graceful leaves, which acquire an orange color in the fall, and abundant snow-white flowering in the spring and early summer.

Answers on questions

Spiraea lifespan

Spiraea shoots live up to 6-7 years, after which they should be removed. The plant as a whole lives from 20 to 40 years.

Why doesn't spirea bloom?

Flowering may be sparse if you do not care for the bush, do not prune and water it. A complete lack of flowering can be explained by the age of the bush or a lack of light or moisture in a dry year.

Why do spirea shoots dry out?

A dried branch must be cut off in any case. See if it is damaged by a pest. If you find traces of the disease, cut off all dried shoots and cover the cut areas with brilliant green or garden varnish. It is possible that the root system of the spirea was damaged by moles. Another option is root soaking. Loosen the ground around the bush with a rake and spray the bushes with zircon.

Caring for a bush in winter

Most species are winter-hardy and thrive even north of mid-latitude. Gray, oak-leaved, low and medium spirea are not afraid of harsh winters. The kidneys of these species are damaged only at 50-degree frosts. White spirea and Bumald spirea tolerate cold worse. At a temperature of -45-50°C, Douglas, Vangutta and willow spirea die. In order not to lose the plant, it is enough to tie the tops of the shoots into a bundle for the winter. For safe wintering of Nippon spirea, Bumald and Japanese shoots, they are bent, pinned to the surface of the soil and covered with fallen leaves.

Beginners and experienced gardeners love spirea bushes for their attractive and beautiful appearance, fast growth rate, winter hardiness and ease of care. Shrubs are divided into two categories: spring and summer flowering. In spring, spirea blooms with thin, arching branches and cascading large clusters of white flowers. In summer, the bush has pink, white or red flowers on vertical shoots. Both varieties are prized for their shapes and vibrant colors. Flowering duration is about 6 weeks. The original bush, with many branches that are densely covered with white flowers, is called “May snow”, “bride”.

Is it difficult to grow?

This plant is hardy and thrives in almost any climate zone. Gardening stores offer bushes for planting in large quantities. You need to purchase spirea for your plot in spring or autumn. Depending on the variety, the plant has different heights. Therefore, ask in advance what size an adult bush will reach, so as not to make a mistake with the choice of planting site. Spiraea is great for landscape design, creating a border on a site, as a hedging tool, and for planting a perennial garden.

Preparing for landing

According to the advice and observations of gardeners, spirea develops well in sunny areas with loose, fertile soil. Ornamental shrubs should be planted taking into account the design of the site. Please note that the distance between plants when planted in the form of a hedge is maintained at least 50 cm. When placed alone, this distance can be increased. The root system must be prepared before planting. If it is open, then damage to the shoots is clearly visible, which must be removed with sharp garden pruners.

The angle of the cut should be smooth, clear, and not wrinkled and wet.

Be sure to adjust the crown of the bush . Overgrown branches should be shortened by a third. If the roots are very dry, the shoots are cut off a little more. When purchasing a spirea with an earthen lump on the root system, you will need to water it abundantly so that it softens and only then can it be lowered into a hole for planting.

Landing

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Maintain proportions 1:2:1. You need to straighten the roots in the hole and then cover them with soil mixture. Loosely trample the ground around the bush and mulch with peat. It is preferable to carry out gardening work in the fall, in September, early October. Transplanting spirea in the fall will allow the plant to strengthen before the onset of frost.

Rules for caring for spirea garden shrubs

Planting and care are of particular importance for those who want to get a magnificent flowering bush. This is achieved through properly selected and prepared soil. On scarce soil it will not be possible to form a lush and spreading spirea shrub.

Clay soils when planting spirea require mandatory drainage of brick, crushed stone and sand of at least 15 cm.

Spiraea is unpretentious; it can withstand severe frosts and dry weather. The plant is not susceptible to attacks by garden pests and diseases. Loosening is not included in the mandatory list and is purely aesthetic.

It is advisable to cover a spirea seedling planted in the fall with special material so that it can more easily withstand low winter temperatures.

Watering

Spiraea, planted in the spring, has not yet developed its root system sufficiently, so it needs regular soil moisture. During the dry summer months, spirea varieties need abundant flowering. Moist soil around the bush will provide favorable conditions and allow the spirea to grow stronger. Spiraea, which blooms in spring, does not depend much on regular soil moisture. The exception is those seedlings that were planted recently.

Top dressing

Trimming

For a beautiful crown and lush flowering, it is necessary to periodically clean the bush from dead, diseased and broken branches at any time of the year. Spiraea can be subjected to serious pruning and this will only benefit it. Pruning spirea in autumn is most preferable. The plant is preparing for the winter season and excess branches will weaken the bush in the spring. When you prune spirea after winter, pay attention to the tips of the shoots. It is necessary to remove those that have frozen. This procedure will ensure beautiful flowering.

Some gardeners consider pruning spirea an unnecessary task. In this case, you risk getting unkempt thickets with a lot of dry branches and poor flowering.

Reproduction

To propagate spirea by cuttings, woody shoots or very young green shoots are used. For spirea blooming in spring, cuttings are used in June, and summer plants - in July. To develop the root system, water the cuttings well and keep them in conditions of high humidity. Spring and the first leaves are the time for propagation by cutting. The lower branches are bent to the ground, pinned with a wire bracket and sprinkled with soil. Regular watering will ensure good rooting, and independent shrubs will form in the spring. For winter it is necessary to sprinkle with dry leaves.

Spirea looks great in picturesque compositions and is rightfully popular among gardeners and landscape designers. Lush flowering shrubs attract attention and delight the eye.