Spirea Plant Varieties Learn About Different Kinds Of Spirea Bushes

How many varieties of spirea are there?

While there are nearly 100 varieties of spirea, they all fall into two main types: Bridal wreath spireas or shrubby spireas.

How do you identify a spirea?

Take a look at the general shape of the plant. Spirea plants come in two basic shapes: some have droopy, arching branches with flower clusters that appear in spring while others grow low to the ground and feature flower clusters at the end of their upright branches.

How big does a spirea bush 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.

What does a spirea bush look like?

Nippon spirea is an upright, mounded shrub reaching 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with graceful overhanging branches. Bouquet-like clusters of small white flowers smother the branches in late spring. The deep blue-green leaves are a handsome attribute during the summer months.

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.

What can I plant next to spirea?

They look especially good paired with bigleaf hydrangeas. Or set them near clumps of hostas that will take some sun. Since spirea blossoms are mainly flat clusters, contrast the flower shapes you plant nearby. Narrow purple spikes of salvia or upright plumes of astilbe add nice variety.

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.

What colors do spirea come in?

Color is key for spirea, since spirea shrubs come in a wide array of shades. Leaves can vary from deep red and orange to bright yellow-green to dark green. Some varieties have mottled leaves, or lobed foliage.

What is the smallest spirea?

Spirea 'Elf'

The smallest of the spireas, 'Elf' has the same unfussy personality in a small package. Use for edging a path, garden borders or a great rock garden plant. Bright yellow foliage makes a great companion to perennials or annuals. The blooms are light pink and will rebloom sporadically during the summer.

Does spirea need to 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 long do spirea bushes bloom?

They can range in height as low as 18 inches or as tall as 48 inches. For a shrub, they are considered long blooming, and their flowers easily tolerate the heat so their bloom time isn't rushed as a result of a heatwave. You can plan on them blooming a good five weeks or so.

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.

Do spirea have deep roots?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What type of soil do spirea like?

In order to get the most blooms, plant spireas in full sun. The soil should be moist and well drained, but spirea will grow in sandy or clay soils. Dig the hole to the same depth as the root ball.