False Spirea

August 23, 2024 Post a Comment

False spirea

This coarse shrub grows to 5 to 8 feet tall (sometimes to 10 feet) and as wide. It displays masses of tiny white flowers in early summer and the deep green foliage resembles mountain ash to which it is related. It is sometimes planted en mass for erosion control. No serious insect or disease problems.

Is false spirea invasive?

The Sem False Spirea is a replacement for the more aggressive wild version of this plant. It grows no more than 5 or 6 feet tall, and isn't invasive. It forms a compact mass of ferny leaves that are pink and red-bronze in spring, turning chartreuse green and then light green for the summer.

Do you cut back false spirea?

Prune these spring flowering shrubs soon after they have bloomed. Top prune the plant to improve the shape and reduce its size, but be careful not to remove more than 30% of the top growth. Some summer pruning can also be done on particularly vigorous plants, but not after mid-July.

Why is it called false spirea?

Originally native to eastern Siberia through Japan, this suckering shrub is called false spiraea due to the resemblance of its pyramid-shaped panicles of white flowers to that of steeplebush (Spiraea). Its compound leaves have pleasingly symmetrical ranks of opposite, long leaflets.

Where is the best place to plant a spirea?

Spirea performs best in full sun, producing more blooms, vibrant color and brighter fall foliage. Plants can take light shade, with spring bloomers more shade tolerant than summer bloomers.

Should I cut my spirea to the ground?

Prune spirea to get big flower clusters Spirea that's not pruned or pruned to the ground each spring has a casual, loose habit. In early spring, before the leaf buds start to swell, cut all of the stems down so they're 4 to 6 in. tall.

Is False Spirea toxic to dogs?

Are Spirea Poisonous to Dogs. Spirea shrubs are considered a non-toxic plant for your canine friends. If you want to plant a hardy shrub in your pet friendly garden area, then Spirea is a top choice.

Should spirea be cut back for winter?

In the fall or late-winter, prune the spirea again. This trim is more aggressive than the spring-time one. Remove all dead branches, old foliage, and old blooms. Look for dead spots and places where the undergrowth is struggling.

How do you stop spirea from spreading?

In areas where the population of spirea is sparse or in areas that are environmentally susceptible, one way to stop the spread of Japanese spirea is to cut or mow the plant. Repeated mowing of the invasive plant will slow its spread but not eradicate it.

How do you prepare false spirea for winter?

Tips for Overwintering Spirea

Prune Lightly as Needed. After shrubs lose their leaves, remove dead or damaged branches.
Stop Providing Fertilizer. To ensure plants harden off sufficiently, stop fertilizing six to eight weeks before the first frost. ...
Water. ...
Mulch. ...
Protect from Pests.

How long do spireas live?

Planting & Growing Goldmound Spirea will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

How do you care for false spirea?

The plants require little special care and will grow in almost any type of soil as long as it drains well. Sobaria false spirea plants grow very fast in full sun. However, they also thrive in sites with some shade. And you aren't likely to see these tough bushes threatened by insect pests or disease problems.

Does spirea have invasive roots?

Although common, Japanese spiraea should never be planted in your yard because they are capable of rapidly taking over other shrubs, grass, and trees. Once established, spiraea grows incredibly quickly and forms dense roots that overwhelm the existing native landscaping.

Is False spirea a shade plant?

Astilbe (also known as false goat's beard or false spirea) is a perennial all-star for the shade garden. These hardy perennials sport large, fern-like foliage that is very attractive during the growing season, highlighted by feathery plumes of flowers that bloom through the spring and early summer.

Is False Spirea drought tolerant?

Although drought tolerant, keeping plants well watered will produce the most flowers. If plants dry out, they may go dormant.

Do spirea bushes spread?

Prune soon after flowering if needed. For USDA zones 4 to 8. Vanhoutte spirea (S. x vanhouttei) is a deciduous broadleaf shrub with an arching branch habit that can grow 5 to 8 feet high and spread as much as 7 to 10 feet wide.

What looks good 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.

Is spirea fast growing?

Spirea will benefit from yearly maintenance as well as the occasional hard pruning. And because they're fast growers, a liberal pruning has negligible impact to flowering – if done at the right time. Spring flowering varieties bloom on old growth from the previous year and need to be pruned right after flowering.

How do you keep spirea from getting leggy?

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. Try to make the cuts within ¼ inch (6 mm.)

Should spirea be deadheaded?

Pink flowering spirea should also be deadheaded. You can cut off old flowers using a pruners, hedge shears or an electric shearing tool. In the perennial garden deadhead any plant that flowered before June 30th including: salvia, baptisia, nepeta, peonies, coral bells, oxeye daisies, bleeding heart and penstemon.