Flowering Shrub: Spirea (Spiraea sp.)

The flowers of the spirea shrub are diverse, and range from pure white to bright pink, to maroon and in between. The leaves of this flowering shrub are blue-green in summer. Spirea shrubs bloom from early spring to early summer, depending on the type of spirea selected. Spirea come in many different sizes and are thus ideal in any landscape situation: it can be an ornamental feature, a hedge, the surrounds of a rock garden, or a low border along a walk-way.

Spirea is one of the easiest flowering shrubs to care for. It requires little, if any, seasonal pruning. Spirea shrubs respond very well to periodic rejuvenation pruning where the shrub is cut back severely and then left to re-grow.

All Spirea shrubs are well-adapted to moist, well-drained and slightly acidic soil, although the soil must not be saturated. Plant Spirea in full sun to take advantage of an abundance of pretty blossoms on this flowering shrub. It is best to plant Spirea shrubs in late spring, as the shrub's preference for sun will allow it to flourish. Some aphid control may be necessary during this period.

The best method for propagating Spirea shrubs is through cuttings.