little princess spirea problems

The main issue with any compact spirea is that growth can become scraggly–smaller branches don't leaf out, while other branches shoot up higher than normal. To keep spireas looking attractive, the plant can be cut back at any time during the active growing season.

Why are 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.

How do you take care of a little princess spirea?

Add 2-3 inches of mulch to prevent weeds and help keep the soil moist. Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer in spring after the chance of frost has passed. After your Little Princess Spirea has finished flowering prune back or "deadhead" the spent flowers. This will promote re-blooming.

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.

Why are my spirea leaves turning brown?

That leads to root rots or fungal leaf diseases. We suspect that your spirea may be getting too much moisture from rain and watering. ... Supplement rainfall by watering your spirea only when at least the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil has dried out. Also, brush off loose leaves and remove dead leaves.

How do you rejuvenate spirea?

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. This removes the dead blossoms and also may trigger a second blooming and new leaf growth. You can also shape the shrub at this time.

How far back can you prune spirea?

Trim back overgrown spireas or those that produced sparse foliage on the lower stems severely in fall after the foliage begins to fall off, to keep the shrubs shaped and compact. Cut back each stem to within 8 to 12 inches of the ground.

How do you keep Spirea blooming?

Japanese spirea should be tip pruned in late winter or early spring prior to bud swell and before the shrub leafs out. Also, at this time, remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems along with those that cross each other. To keep spirea looking great and to promote blooming, trim the plant at least twice per year.

Does spirea bloom all summer?

Many are low, wide shrubs growing to 3 to 4 feet in height with graceful branchings. They bloom throughout the summer from June into August. Some varieties to look for include the Japanese spirea bumalda cultivars.

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.

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.

Should you deadhead spirea?

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.

Why are my spirea leaves curling?

Leaves Curled and Distorted by Aphids

Aphids, also called "plant lice," are soft-bodied, pear-shaped sucking insects about the size of the head of a pin. They sometimes cluster in large masses on tender new leaves and buds of spirea. Their feeding retards plant growth, and causes the leaves to curl and turn yellow.

Do spirea lose their leaves in winter?

All Spireas are deciduous and lose their leaves in the winter. Most bloom between March and May in our area. Some varieties will produce a second set of flowers if the worn out blooms are pruned off.

How do you rejuvenate a wedding spirea wreath?

With time, bridal wreath tends to become sparse and leggy. To rejuvenate a spirea, you can cut it almost to the ground, and it will grow back in a healthier state. Remember to clean your pruning shears with household disinfectant at full strength to avoid spreading bacteria, viruses or fungi.

How fast does spirea grow?

Spireas are fast growers, maturing in just a couple of years in ideal conditions. Even when you start with small sizes they'll take off quickly. Don't just plant one, plant a group for a big effect. To grow them as a mass, set individual plants so their tips will touch as they mature.

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.

Can you divide spirea bushes?

A spirea bush can be split in two ways. The first method, commonly used for many perennials, is to dig up the entire plant, split the root ball down the middle and replant both sections as individual plants. ... Lift it out and away from the larger plant to complete the division.

How do you prune a Snowmound spirea?

Pruning is best done in late-winter to early spring for most trees and late-spring for spring blooming shrubs. When pruning, remove 1/3rd of the oldest branches by cutting at the base of the shrub. Monitor for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis.

How do you prune a spirea Arguta?

Spiraea 'Arguta'

Cut the flowered stems back to a sideshoot. Mature plants with congested branches can be thinned by removing one third of the oldest stems. They can also be cut back hard in their entirety, but won't flower for a couple of years after drastic renovation treatment like this.