Spiraea japonica
Summer spirea
Common names: Japanese spirea, Rose spirea
Photo: Paul Hermans · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Summer spirea (Spiraea japonica) is a compact, summer‑blooming shrub that produces delicate pink panicles in dense clusters from June to August. Unlike spring spirea, it blooms on this year’s wood, so it can be heavily pruned in early spring without jeopardising the flowers. It typically grows to 60–120 cm tall and is well suited as a border plant, in groupings, or as a low hedge. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its blooms, making it a valuable component of insect‑friendly gardens. Cultivars such as ‘Little Princess’ and ‘Goldflame’ remain especially compact and are suitable for smaller beds.
Care instructions
Plant the Summer spirea in a sunny to slightly shaded location with well‑drained, moderately moist soil. Prune annually in early spring (late February to mid‑March, weeks 9–11), cutting back about one‑third of the growth to encourage dense foliage and richer flowering. Remove spent panicles in summer to often stimulate a second, weaker flush. Water newly planted specimens regularly; established shrubs tolerate occasional watering during dry periods. A mulch layer of leaf or bark mulch keeps the root zone moist and suppresses competing vegetation.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
Pruning
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