Growing Spirea Shrubs Information On How To Care For Spirea Bushes

Spirea Growing Conditions The spirea shrub does best when planted in full sun or light shade. Planting the shrub in full shade results in stunted growth, and a reduction in the number and size of blooms. Position your spirea in an area with well-drained soil, as they do not like wet feet.

Should spirea be cut back?

You should actually prune your spirea more than once a year, at least twice. Give it a good trim after it flowers in the spring by cutting back the tips of the stems to the top leaf bud. ... More drastically cutting back spirea should occur in the fall or in late winter to early spring.

How do you prune spirea in the spring?

In the spring, after the first blooms are spent, cut the dead flowers back by trimming spirea's stem tips back to the topmost leaf on each stem. Throughout the summer, the plants shape can be maintained by cutting back overgrown spirea shoots or stems as well as any dead or diseased branches.

Do you deadhead spirea bushes?

Deadheading: This is merely the practice of clipping off old flowers to stimulate the growth of new foliage and blossoms. ... Pink flowering spirea should also be deadheaded. You can cut off old flowers using a pruners, hedge shears or an electric shearing tool.

Can I cut my spirea to the ground?

The spirea species (Spiraea spp.) ... To control the spirea's size and keep it blooming year after year, you should prune it back after blooming or when it's dormant in winter. If it's severely overgrown, cut it to the ground to rejuvenate the shrub.

Do spirea bloom all summer?

They are beginning to bloom and will continue to do so throughout the summer. Although they bloom prior to July 4, you can prune this group of Spirea in late winter to help force new growth where this year's flower buds will form (do not prune spring blooming Spirea until immediately after they flower).

How tall does spirea get?

Plant sizes vary by species and cultivar, and they range from 1½ to 8 feet tall. There are many species of spireas (greater than 80), but only the most commonly encountered species and cultivars are included here.

How do I kill spirea bushes?

Spirea has a healthy and reasonably deep root system, so leave about two feet of the strongest stems above ground. Dig around to find the roots and cut them back. Dig down around the stems to get as much of the root out as possible. You might be able to loosen the roots by heaving the stems backward and forward.

Is spirea an evergreen?

Spirea (Spirea spp.), a group of plants belonging to the rose family, are a group of deciduous shrubs that originated in Central and Eastern Asia. ... Because they lose their leaves every year, spirea are not considered an evergreen plant.

When should you prune hydrangea bush?

Prune in late winter and early spring. Prune as far back as you want right above the first leaf joints. It will grow from that point onward, getting larger each year. Read more about pruning hydrangeas, and learn whether your shrub blooms on old or new growth in “Pruning Hydrangeas” by Janet Carson.

How do you stop spirea from spreading?

Spirea will self seed and spread by rooting along the plant. Spirea japonicas are listed as a significant threat to natural areas. You can stop self seeding by deadheading the spent flowers before they set seed.

When can I transplant spirea bushes?

Whether you are introducing a container-grown spirea to the landscape or moving a spirea because it is no longer wanted or not performing well in a certain spot, spireas generally withstand transplant well. Whenever possible, transplant spireas in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, or in fall.

Why is my spirea dying?

Poor Water Management

Too much or too little water can stress plants. Although spirea tolerates dry sites, it grows best in consistently moist soil that drains well. ... Too much water can cause leaves to turn yellow or entire stems to die, which may give you a false signal your plant needs more water.

Does spirea bloom on old wood?

If your spirea bloom in the spring, They are likely Spiraea prunifolia or Spiraea x vanhouttei and they bloom on "old wood" or the previous year's growth. These should be cut back after blooming in 2016.

Can spirea grow in shade?

The spirea shrub does best when planted in full sun or light shade. Planting the shrub in full shade results in stunted growth, and a reduction in the number and size of blooms. Position your spirea in an area with well-drained soil, as they do not like wet feet.

How do you divide spirea?

Divide spirea

An old clump with a dead or dying center and lots of healthy growth around the edges can be lifted and split with a saw or sharp pruning shears, just like a perennial.

What can I plant next to spirea?

Many shrub roses and perennials work well as companion plants with Spireas. Groundcovers and groundcover Junipers also work well as companion plants for this group.

Is spirea annual or perennial?

Spireas are small to medium sized deciduous shrubs that produce cascades of flowers in spring and summer. Among the easiest flowering shrubs to grow, spireas are often used in foundation plantings, as hedges, and in perennial gardens. Most spireas bloom in late spring to midsummer.

What are the best low maintenance shrubs?

17 Low-Maintenance Plants and Dwarf Shrubs

Butterfly Bush. Prune these plants by late August, so plants have time to harden off before freezes arrive. ...
Fringe Tree. ...
Coral Bells. ...
Denver Daisy. ...
Ninebark. ...
Contoneaster. ...
Purple Pixie. ...
Agapanthus.

How deep do spirea roots grow?

The depth of the roots really depends on the height. For example, an old fashioned bridal wreath spirea that is 10' x 20' will have roots about 30” deep. A smaller maturing one, Sundrop, will have roots close to 12-18” deep.

Does false spirea spread?

Native to Eastern Siberia, China, Korea, and Japan, false spirea shrubs grow to 10 feet (3 m.) high and wide and keep spreading. Sorbaria false spirea grows suckers that turn into new plants. Because of this, your false spirea is likely to spread out and take over unassigned space if you let it.

Can you transplant spirea in summer?

The smaller, summer-blooming spirea is easier to move than the larger, more traditional bridal veil varieties. The best time to transplant a summer-blooming spirea is fall--through late October--or early spring. Bridal veil types are best moved in September.