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Japanese spirea: pink, white and dwarf varieties. Spirea flower. Description, features, types and care of spirea Antoshka spirea

Spirea is an ornamental perennial shrub from the Rose family. It is common in the forests and forest-steppes of the temperate zone, as well as on the slopes of the Alps, the Himalayas and near Mexico. Plants are used to decorate parks and gardens. Their cascading, curving branches in spring and summer are abundantly covered with small flowers, like foam or a snow cap. Sometimes spirea is called meadowsweet, but this is a mistake. Meadowsweet is a herbaceous plant, while spirea is a shrub with woody shoots.

Botanical characteristics

Spirea is a deciduous perennial plant 0.15-2.5 m high. It is fed by a fibrous surface rhizome. Shoots grow straight, spread along the ground or rise. Over time, even upright branches bend under their own weight. The color of the branches is light brown or dark brown. The bark exfoliates in longitudinal plates.

The next short-petiolate leaflets do not have stipules and are distinguished by a narrow-lanceolate shape with a distinct relief pattern of the central and lateral veins. The edges of the foliage are serrated or serrated. Coloring can be very diverse. Some plants are covered with green leaves throughout the season, while the foliage of others changes several times from red to yellow, green or orange.

The first weak flowering begins from the second or third year of the life of the spirea. In mid-spring or already in summer, a lot of umbrella or paniculate inflorescences bloom in the axils of the leaves. Closely spaced small corollas 6-10 mm in diameter are disc-shaped. Flowers with five separate rounded petals and a lush core (up to 60 stamens and about 5 ovaries) can be painted white or pink.

After pollination, lanceolate flat brown seeds ripen in multi-seeded leaflets. Their length is only 1.5-2 mm. Ripe fruits crack at the seams on their own.

Types and varieties of spirea

To date, scientists have discovered almost 100 species of spirea.

Frost-resistant sprawling shrub with ribbed branches grows 1.5-2 m in height. It is covered with ovate or oval leaves. Closer to the edge, the leaf plate is double-serrated. Its length is 35-45 mm. The color of the leaves is bright green, and the reverse side is gray. Flowering occurs in May-June, when many white corymbose inflorescences bloom.

Vegetation 120-200 cm high consists of straight red-brown branches with a round cross section. They grow simple oval leaves 25-75 mm in length. At the end of May, dense corymbs of white-pink flowers bloom, which last up to 45 days. Varieties:

• Little Princess - sprawling shoots up to 60 cm high and up to 120 cm wide with dark green oval foliage in June-July covered with pink-red flowers;
• Golden Princess - a bush about 1 m tall grows yellowish foliage;
• Goldflame - in spring, orange-yellow leaves bloom on shoots up to 80 cm in height, which turn yellow by summer and then turn light green, the flowers are red-pink;
• Shirobana - a sprawling bush up to 60-80 cm with small lanceolate leaves blooms with white or pink flowers by July-August;
• Crispa - a dwarf shrub with a dense openwork crown covered with small bright pink umbrellas;
• Anthony Waterer - a low shrub with a domed crown and lanceolate reddish leaves in June-September blooms with large (up to 15 cm) carmine flowers;
• Macrophylla - a large (1.5 m) sprawling bush covered with ovate swollen leaves (red-green in summer and orange in autumn) 15 cm long;
• Magic Carpet - a dense crown up to 0.5 m high and 80 cm wide spreads beautiful angular leaves of copper, yellow and orange colors;
• Frobeli - a shrub 120 cm high and wide, covered with reddish-green leaves and pink flowers;
• Firelight is a dwarf shrub with orange-red leaves and rich pink flowers.

A slender tall plant with upright ribbed shoots prefers highly moistened soil. The height of the shoot is 150-200 cm. The branches are covered with narrow lanceolate leaves with a wedge-shaped base. Bright pink buds form dense panicles about 12 cm long. They appear in the middle of summer.

A hybrid species about 180 cm high has arcuate branches covered with lanceolate gray-green foliage. The reverse side of the leaves is gray. The plant blooms profusely with white corymbose inflorescences, which appear already in mid-May. The grefsheim variety differs from the main species in reddish-brown branches and even more abundant snow-white flowering. Good honey plant.

A large sprawling bush quickly grows up to 2 m high. Its drooping strong branches are densely covered with serrated smooth lobed leaves. The leaf surface is dark green. The reverse side is gray. By autumn, the leaves turn red or orange. Hemispherical snow-white inflorescences open throughout the branch from mid-June.

A spherical dense bush with horizontal branches grows to a height of 2 m. The foliage is about 5 cm long, oval in shape and retains a bright green color until leaf fall. Yellowish-green flowers bloom from purple buds in June. Snowmound variety is a slow growing low shrub with oval dark green leaves and many white inflorescences on last year's shoots.

An early-flowering shrub 1.5-2 m high with arched branches forms a beautiful cascade. Snow-white flowers, like foam, flaunt over green leaves.

A bush with a low (50-80 cm), dense crown consists of erect shoots covered with small oval leaves. Bright green foliage turns red-yellow and purple in autumn. From mid-summer, young shoots are covered with large umbrellas of dark pink flowers.

Straight red-brown stems with slight pubescence form a crown 1.5 m in height. They grow oval or lanceolate leaves 10 cm long. Dark pink flowers form long pyramidal brushes. They bloom in July-September.

A bush up to 2 m high is covered with broadly lanceolate large leaves and dissolves in July long (up to 20 cm), narrow racemes of bright pink flowers.

A dense spherical bush up to 70 cm high grows small bright green leaves that turn yellow by autumn. In June-August, white small flowers bloom in small hemispherical inflorescences.

Reproduction methods

Spirea can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively. For hybrid species and ornamental varieties, seed propagation is not suitable. In the spring, boxes are prepared with a mixture of leafy soil with high-moor peat. Seeds are evenly placed on the surface and covered with a layer of peat 1 cm high. Shoots appear in 1-1.5 weeks. Even at an early stage, they are treated with foundationazole or potassium permanganate. After 2-3 months, the grown seedlings are cut off the roots and transplanted into open ground on a training bed. They are placed in partial shade or shade. Plants are watered abundantly and mulched the soil.

The most reliable method of reproduction is rooting layering. In the spring, before the leaves appear, the lower shoot is bent to the soil and fixed, and sprinkled with earth on top. The top is tied to a support. In the summer, not only the bush is watered, but also the layering. It will take root this year, but they plan to branch and transplant next spring. For better development, flowers are removed in the first year.

During spring and summer, cuttings about 10 cm long are cut from semi-lignified and green branches. The lower cut is treated with Kornevin, and then immediately planted in containers with loose garden soil. After 2-3 months, 50-70% of the cuttings will develop a full-fledged root system. Landing in open ground is carried out next spring.

Landing and care

For spirea, open, sunny or slightly shaded areas are selected. In partial shade, the number of flowers will be much less. The soil should be loose and permeable, with moderate moisture. Soddy or leafy soil is preliminarily added to poor soil, and if necessary, peat and sand. For hybrid species, the presence of lime in the soil is unacceptable.

Planting holes are dug with a depth of 50 cm. Drainage material must be laid out at the bottom. The root neck is left at the same level. Rainy or cloudy weather is optimal for planting. The same procedure is carried out in spring and autumn. Spring planting is suitable for summer flowering plants. It is carried out before bud break. The dried root system is pre-soaked in water. After work, 1-2 buckets of water are poured under each bush and the surface is mulched with peat. Also, absolutely all species can be planted in the fall, before the end of leaf fall.

Daily care for spirea is simple. Young plants need more frequent watering, but stagnation of water at the roots is not allowed. Adult spireas tolerate drought well, so only in the absence of precipitation they are watered twice a month. 1.5-2 buckets of water are poured under each bush.

Weeding and loosening are also carried out regularly. It is important to remember that the root system of the plant is superficial, so be careful when working.

Twice a season (spring and summer) the plants are fed. First, a universal mineral complex is added, and then mullein and superphosphate are used.

Usually spirea tolerates winter well without shelter. If especially severe, snowless weather is expected, then the roots of the plant are covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves and spruce branches.

The plant has good immunity, so it almost never gets sick. At the same time, aphids and spider mites regularly settle on the bushes. Especially actively they attack young, tender sprouts. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to regularly spray the bushes or treat them with insecticides.

Application in landscape design

Such an ornamental and multifunctional plant is sure to find its use in the garden. Dwarf varieties perfectly decorate rockeries. They are used for tamping deciduous trees and conifers. Spirea is suitable for creating a hedge, mixborder and background for a flower garden. She can be accompanied by skumpii, weigels, actions, junipers and spruces.

Spiraea is presented as a deciduous shrub, the height of which rarely exceeds 2 m. The assortment is represented by creeping, cascading, hemispherical, erect, pyramidal and weeping forms. Different types of spirea differ from each other in the shape of the plant, and in the color of the leaves and flowers. Some specimens, depending on the time of year, change color to yellow, purple or orange. About 90 varieties of this crop are common in the semi-desert and steppe zone, most often the elementary observance of agrotechnical requirements allows you to grow a strong plant and ensure flowering from spring to autumn.

Numerous small flowers are formed into spike-shaped, paniculate, pyramidal or corymbose inflorescences. Single flowers are also no exception. The decorativeness of this shrub is due to the following factors: a varied color (from raspberry to snow-white), flowering time, and the location of inflorescences on the shoots.

The classification distinguishes 2 groups of spirea - summer-flowering and spring-flowering. The name of these groups is due to the flowering period of specimens. Among the general characteristics, it is worth highlighting gas resistance, preference for well-lit areas, frost resistance, undemanding. Among the possible methods of reproduction are shoots, seeds, dividing the bush, layering and cuttings.

Group I - spring-flowering species and varieties

The color of spring flowering plants is often white. Plants that bloom in spring should be pruned immediately after flowering. It will be simultaneous, but not continuous.

Spirea gray

This species is a tall two-meter, highly branched bushes, the shoots of which are ribbed and felt. Leaves are darker above than below, pointed at both ends. Loose brushes of snow-white flowers are densely arranged along the entire length of the shoot. The top is distinguished by sessile inflorescences, below they are located on lengthening leafy branches. Flowering period - May, fruiting - in June. For this species, propagation by seeds is not available due to its hybridity. The decorativeness of the bush is due to the presence of drooping branches and compactness, snow-white inflorescences are presented in large numbers. Landing is possible in groups or a single copy. Shoots are often used to form bouquet compositions. Variety "Grefsheim" is the most interesting representative of this winter-hardy species.

Arguta

The shrub reaches 2 m in height and has a spreading crown. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, strongly serrated, reach 4 cm in length. Snow-white flowers with a diameter of 0.8 cm are collected in numerous umbellate inflorescences located along the entire length of the shoot. This species is characterized by not too active growth with an annual increase of 20 cm. Among spring-flowering species, this spirea is the most spectacular due to thin branches that gracefully bend under abundantly flowering inflorescences. Demonstrates resilience in urban environments. Great for creating compositions, single landings or planting as a hedge. Annual flowering depends on the abundance of light; this species tolerates slightly dry soil safely. Reproduction by seeds is not available due to hybridity.

Wangutta

Among the species of this group, Vangutta is the largest. Diameter and height exceed 2 meters. The shape of the crown is cascading, formed due to downward curving, spreading branches. Toothed 5-lobed leaves are green above and gray below. Snow-white flowers are formed in numerous hemispherical inflorescences covering the entire length of the shoot. After two weeks of flowering in the spring, you can find a second flowering in August, but it will not be as abundant. The foliage also has a decorative appeal. In October, the fruiting period begins. After planting, flowering begins at 3 years.

The considered species is distinguished by active flowering, unpretentiousness and shade tolerance. The soil should be well drained and the area lit. Frost resistance is high, but the ends of the shoots can freeze during the winter and are cut off in the spring. Vangutta is used to create large flower beds, low hedges, group or single plantings. In the landscape, this species goes well with firs, spruces, pines.

Gorodchataya

hornate spirea

This type of spirea is common in the north of Central Asia, in the Caucasus, Altai, in the southeast of Western Europe and Russia in the zone of shrub and meadow steppes, as well as on rocky mountain slopes among shrubs. It belongs to the plants protected by the reserve. The shrub barely reaches a meter in height, has gray-green oblong leaves collected in a loose crown. The identification feature of this species is three veins at the bottom of the leaf and its crenate edge. White color has a yellowish tint, corymbose inflorescences are formed on short branches with leaves. Flowering lasts about 20 days, after which the fruiting period begins in July. Among the advantages are abundant root shoots, frost and drought resistance, growth in partial shade is possible, but good lighting affects the development of the shrub better. The soil may not be sufficiently moist. This variety is not very actively used in horticulture, mainly in the landscaping of forest parks, edges, parks.

Oak-leaved

The most common area for the growth of oak-leaved spirea - the Far East and Eastern Europe - is mountain forests and rocky slopes. A beautiful rounded shape of a two-meter bush has a dense crown with branches that bend to the ground under the weight of flowers. The length of the ovoid, double-toothed leaf reaches 5 cm. The color is green above and gray below. The duration of flowering is 25 days, the inflorescences are hemispherical. In autumn, the foliage turns solid yellow. Reproduction is permissible by dividing the bush, cuttings or seeds. The foliage is graceful, and the flowers are lush, this variety lends itself safely to a haircut, which is important when forming hedges.

nipponian

This species is native to Hondo Island, Japan. The shape of the shrub is spherical, the direction of the branches is horizontal. The foliage remains green almost until the end of autumn. Purple buds open into yellowish green flowers in corymbose inflorescences. The structure of the crown is compact, and flowering is plentiful. Single plantings are most successful for this variety. Among the advantages - not demanding on the soil, the variety of methods of reproduction - dividing the bush, cuttings, sowing seeds. The decorative form of this plant can be narrow-leaved or round-leaved. Both varieties are in demand in Europe.

• Halward's Silver meter bush with dark green foliage and large convex white inflorescences;
• Snowmound is a two-meter shrub with curved branches, elongated leaves and snow-white flowers that open in early summer.

Medium

The homeland of this species is the Far East, Central Asia, southern Siberia and Russia. It grows most successfully on dry slopes in thickets of shrubs. The shrub has a rounded crown and spreading branches with bright green leaves. The bark of the shoots is slightly flaky. Flowering period - May, duration - 15 days. At the age of three, fruiting periods begin. Among the advantages - safe growth in shaded areas, frost resistance, easy reproduction by root offspring. This variety is relevant for group and single plantings, tolerates cutting and transplanting well.

Thunberg

The birthplace of culture is Japan, Korea, China. Ideal places for growth are mountain valleys and slopes. The bush barely reaches one and a half meters. Under the conditions of the middle lane, the height is lower, but the branching is dense, and the leaves are dense. Decorative high, especially due to the orange color of the leaves in autumn. Flowering lasts about a month, begins in May and ends in June. A distinctive feature is the rapid ripening of fruits. Flowering and fruiting begins at the age of three. Reproduction by cuttings and sowing seeds is available. Slight freezing of shoots in winter is acceptable, but spring pruning will correct the situation. This variety is one of the first to bloom.

II group - summer flowering species

Summer varieties are distinguished by raspberry, pink and red flowers. Spiraea flowering in summer should be pruned in spring. This group has extended flowering.

Japanese spirea

This species is common in China and Japan. The bush is very decorative due to felt-pubescent shoots and bare leaves. When blooming, the leaf has a red tint, then becomes green on top and bluish below. In autumn, the color changes and becomes more diverse. Flowering continues throughout the summer, the flowers are pink-red. The relevance of the application is observed in the formation of borders, hedges and flowering groups. Spring pruning is mandatory, it is necessary to leave 25 cm of shoots from the soil level. Garden forms are diverse:

• Little Princess is a compact low bush with pink corymbose inflorescences.
• Shirobana is a low shrub with a variety of flower colors from white to red.
• Macrophylla - wrinkled leaves of this variety are swollen and reach a size of 10x20 cm (young foliage is reddish, adult is green, and gradually becomes yellow-green in autumn). During bud break, cut the plant back to 7 cm from soil level and you will get young shoots that will be red all summer.
• Candlelight is a dwarf shrub with creamy yellow leaves. The flowers are deep pink and bloom in July. Shoots with green leaves are not formed.
• Goldflame is a dense, meter-long shrub with dark yellow leaves that gradually turn bright yellow and then greenish. Pink-red small flowers are successfully combined with variegated foliage.
• Golden Princess is a meter tall shrub with pink flowers and yellow foliage.
• Gold Mound is a dwarf variety with golden leaves and pink, small flowers.

White

The homeland of this species is North America, as well as the European and Asian parts of Russia. The shoots of the shrub are red-brown, pubescent, ribbed, have serrate, pointed leaves up to 7 cm long and up to 2 cm wide. Pyramidal, pubescent, loose paniculate inflorescences are formed by white flowers, the length of the inflorescence can reach 15 cm. shoots of the current year. There is an annual flowering from mid-summer to the end. The fruiting period begins in October. Reproduction by cuttings and seeds is allowed. Planting in hedges, single bushes and groups is relevant. This variety can be called moisture-loving.

birch leaf

The homeland of the birch-leaved spirea is Japan, Korea, Siberia, the Far East. The best growing conditions are rocky slopes, coniferous and mixed forests. The name of this variety is due to the similarity of leaves with birch leaves. Their shape is elliptical, the base is wedge-shaped. The shrub does not exceed 60 cm in height, has a luxurious spherical crown and zigzag shoots. Young leaves appear in mid-April, and fall off in mid-autumn. In autumn, their color turns bright yellow. Flowers may be white or pinkish. Landing is possible with other species when creating rockeries, as well as near tall shrubs and trees.

Billard

This variety is a hybrid between Douglas spirea and willow. It is most common in the south of the Caucasus, in Central Asia and in Arkhangelsk. The height of the shrub reaches 2 m, the branches are spreading, the leaves are broadly lanceolate, up to 10 cm long. The flowering period begins at the end of July and ends at the first frost. Among the main advantages are shade tolerance, frost resistance, ease of propagation by cuttings. Actual single, group planting, as well as the formation of hedges. Pruning shoots in early spring will allow you to form the most powerful bush. If you cut the plant early, the color will form on young shoots already in the current year.

Bumalda

Bumalda

This variety is a hybrid between Japanese and white-flowered spirea. The bush is quite compact and reaches 75 cm in height. Coloring can be from dark pink to pale pink. Flowering is observed almost all summer. The shoots are ribbed, compared to the Japanese variety, this specimen is lower. The most popular varieties:

• Anthony Waterer;
• Darts Red;
• Froebelii;
• Crispus.

Douglas

Most actively growing in North America. The shrub grows upright, characterized by pubescent, straight, red-brown shoots. Pink flowers are collected in narrow pyramidal, apical, paniculate inflorescences. Flowering lasts for 45 days. The foliage of the plant is silvery, so pink flowers stand out against its background.

Ivolistnaya

This variety is native to China, Japan, North America, Europe and Siberia. The most prosperous terrain is sedge swamps, floodplains, and thickets near lakes. A two-meter shrub has yellow-red shoots. The leaves are lighter below than above. Peduncles yellow, pubescent, short, formed into cylindrical or pyramidal panicles. Frost resistance is high, the soil should be moist, fresh. Reproduction by cuttings and sowing seeds is allowed. The first flowering will begin at 4 years of age.

The varieties presented above are excellent for forming patches of color in gardens and park areas, planting exotic hedges. The main condition is to correctly select varieties and successfully combine them, taking into account the type of territory.

Spireas are one of the most beloved and familiar ornamental shrubs, which are considered hardy and almost invulnerable generalists. You definitely can’t call boring spireas. The scope of their use in the design of the garden is immense. These shrubs are so many-sided that they are able to settle in any, even the brightest collection of perennials and perennials in flowerbeds of various sizes. The lacy touchingness of spring spireas and their ornamentality bring special spring accents to the design of flower beds and flower beds, adding expressiveness to the color scheme, textures, and vertical structure.

Spring spireas in the design of flower beds

Spireas, with their unique and unparalleled winter hardiness and undemanding nature, have become so familiar to us that many no longer perceive them as special, flowering shrubs that can become the main stars of decoration. Spireas gradually turned into plants of the second plan, but in relation to their versatility and high decorativeness, this status is completely unfair.

Despite the fact that today the main attention is focused on new species and varieties, as well as on rare and much more capricious plants, it is spireas that are unmatched not only in their outstanding endurance, but also in lacy, delicate flowering, monumentality and graphic. The arcing shoots of these unique shrubs are decorated with inflorescences of various density and are perceived only as luxurious openwork clouds.

Spiraea lace looks inimitable, no matter what types of spring-flowering or summer-blooming spireas are discussed. But it is in spring spireas that the special, quivering and refined, romantic-pastoral beauty manifests itself in full force. The gentle flowering of spring spireas should be used to decorate the spring garden in the most attractive and ceremonial compositions. Indeed, on the flower beds, these amazing shrubs are the place. Of course, spireas can also be used for groups with other shrubs and trees, and in borders, and for hedges. But it is on flower beds that you can take a fresh look at these unique shrubs.

The number of spring-flowering species of spirea is measured by more than one and a half dozen names. They are united not only by the fact that flower buds are laid on the shoots of the previous year (and, accordingly, flowering begins only on shoots at least 2 years old), but also the ability to form numerous tillering shoots, especially dense, dense, but at the same time graphic-architectural and openwork a crown that surprises with a really beautiful texture in winter, summer, and autumn. The bright or dark color of the foliage perfectly emphasizes the lacy flowering in an exceptionally snow-white range. And although the flowering of spring spirea is shorter than that of summer species, it is also more plentiful. After all, it is not for nothing that such types of shrubs familiar to everyone have earned the nickname “May snow” or “May foam”. Adult bushes of spring spireas can form up to 60 flowering branches.

Unlike summer species, spring pruning is practically not required (except for traditional rejuvenation and removal of damaged or very old shoots from 7 years old). It is the lack of pruning that makes it possible to consider all spring spireas as a universal shrub that does not require any effort and does not complicate the care of a flower garden, which can be planted even in very complex compositions in the company of almost any plants (even in places to which the approach is complicated). Such spireas are not afraid of close proximity to perennials and ground covers, which allows them to be used to create spectacular and dense plantings.

Spring spireas are universal as a shrub for flower beds and from a stylistic point of view. Spring views will look great in natural style plantings, and in unrestrained country, and in strict regular design. After all, their arched branches, despite the general picturesqueness of the bushes, make a strict and elegant impression, perfectly complement the geometric contours and motifs of the compositions. The same bush of spring spirea, in addition to different partners, can be perceived radically differently.

Despite the fact that all types of spring-flowering spireas are good in their own way, each plant is distinguished by its special beauty and decorative details, among the snow-white stars that can bloom in spring, there are favorites that are better than others for decorating flower beds. Let's take a closer look at the most spectacular spring-flowering spireas, which will become the stars of a flower garden in any style.

An unconditional star among spring spireas, which, in addition to solo parts, is able to cope with the role of decorating any large ensemble - a hybrid spirea vangutta (Spiraea x vanhouttei).

Spreading and showy, this spirea from 70 cm to 2 m high stands out with very thin branches falling from the center to the periphery of the bush, forming a bush with an almost architectural silhouette and evoking associations with luxurious cascades. Leaves with a cool, emerald-blue shade of green contrast beautifully with most of the inhabitants of traditional flower beds and stand out even against the background of the brightest decorative leafy herbaceous perennials with a variegated or original color.

Spirea Vangutta blooms only at the end of May, and although it lasts only 3 weeks, the amazing snow-whiteness and lacyness of this shrub makes such an indelible impression that these three weeks will seem magical. The pure white color of small flowers collected in dense flat umbrellas of inflorescences gives the plant a special ornamentality. Inflorescences bloom along the entire length of the shoot in such quantity that the branches bend almost to the base of the bush and are perceived as lacy white lines or strokes. This type of spirea is capable of re-blooming, and although it is less spectacular than the first, it still seems like a miracle in July-August.

The spectacular contrast of cold foliage with radiant white buds looks fresh and brings the effect of inner radiance to any decorative ensembles. Spirea Vangutta goes well with both decorative and deciduous, and with flowering shrubs and perennials of any size and palette.

The spherical-flattened bushes of multi-stem, dense, voluminous and even slightly massive look completely different. nipponian spirea (Spiraea nipponica).

This shrub with dark green small leaves does not bloom along the entire length of the branches, but only in their upper part. In early June, very compact corymbs of inflorescences bloom on this spirea, in which white flowers with a slight creamy sheen sit amazingly tightly. Unlike Vangutta spirea, Nipponskaya blooms for about 25 days. And at the peak of flowering, the bush looks like a massive white cap.

This is a catchy and voluminous plant, a dominant accent that creates a solid white spot on any flower garden. Despite the love of space and the sun, this spirea is not afraid of close proximity to perennials and other ornamental shrubs. Massive and spectacular, it is able to place striking structural accents in any composition and bring order even where dozens of different plant species are combined.

Any original, non-green foliage color on flower beds looks like a special decoration. And this rule applies not only to herbaceous perennials, but also to shrubs. Greyish green leaves spirea gray (Spiraea x cinerea), for which she received her specific name, contrasts beautifully with neighboring cultures.

Thin, beautifully curving branches of this shrub create a crown that looks like a green cascade. The height of highly branched bushes can reach 2 m. The shoots are felt, ribbed. But the effect of arches or cascades is most fully revealed only during flowering. If the Vangutta spirea seems to color the flower beds with white lines or strokes, then the gray spirea literally looks like a snow-white lace fountain.

Small white flowers of this plant with a tepid shade of color are collected in spherical inflorescences with a diameter of about 2 cm. Inflorescences bloom densely along the entire length of the branches. With a bush height of about 1 meter, numerous flowering shoots flowing down create a striking impression.

This shrub looks very elegant and is suitable for decoration in any style. The effect of a living fountain gray spirea produces in any company when planting and one bush, and a small group. Under the conditions of the middle lane, the start of flowering of gray spirea occurs in May and early June.

Spirea oak-leaved (Spiraea chamaedryfolia) is a largely underestimated plant, the ornamentality of which is able to conquer in any decorative composition. This plant contrasts beautifully with irises, peonies and other large-leaved herbaceous stars and looks lacy even when not in bloom.

Cascading, somewhat sloppy, strikingly airy and dense at the same time, the crown is formed by shoots up to 1.5 m high, which bend during flowering almost to the ground. A very dense, dense, multi-stemmed shrub, however, it does not seem massive at all.

This is one of the most fragrant and early flowering species of spirea. Thick hemispheres of its inflorescences have been decorating the shoots since the beginning of May and are kept on the bush for about 25 days. It is one of the best mold-tolerant spirea species and is erroneously recommended almost exclusively for hedges. But if you plant a bush on a flower garden, then fully appreciate all the beauty and originality of this variety of spirea.

If you are looking for a real star for a spring flower garden, then you should pay attention not only to individual species, but also to the varieties of spring spirea that have already become legendary.

One of the more luxuriant varieties is a weeping and delightfully dense variety " grefsheim» (Grefsheim). A fashionable cultivar of gray spirea is a unique spirea, the height of which ranges from 70 cm to 1 m. Numerous shoots, the number of which is simply impossible to count, form a dense weeping crown, drooping in elegant arcs and creating an incredibly beautiful graphic-arched effect. This variety is considered one of the most beautiful for creating hedges, but in close proximity to other ornamental shrubs and perennials in the flower garden, it makes no less catchy impression.

Another star of flower beds (although the accent is much smaller) - known to us simply as " Rainbow"- varietal Nipponian spirea, the full name of which sounds like" Gerlve's Rainbow ". This is one of the most compact varieties of spring spirea, only about 0.5 m high. The bush is amazingly dense and almost spherical, it seems specially shaped using topiary art (i.e. the art of forming figures from plants). The main advantage of the variety is not only abundant flowering, but also variegated leaves. In this variety, they are decorated with cream or pink spots, which appear unevenly in different lighting conditions. In autumn, a pink-red fire covers the entire bush, turning it into the main competitor of barberries. Flowering, during which flat lace shields bloom on the bush, begins in June and lasts about 3 weeks.

Spirea is considered to be one of the most popular shrubs. It is resistant to severe frosts, not whimsical to care for, perfect for landscape gardening. Moreover, there are more than 90 species of such shrubs.

What it is?

Depending on the variety, the size of the bush can vary from 15 cm to 2 meters. The leaves are located throughout the bush. The color of the leaves also varies from variety from light green to crimson. It is easy to propagate spirea: cuttings, bushing, dropping and seeds.

It is not necessary to trim the spirea, unless at will, to give a decorative form.

For the winter, the shrub can not be covered. It calmly endures both heat and frost down to -30 C. Even if the bush is frozen, it just needs to be cut, and it will beat off new cuttings and recover in a season.

Spirea varieties

There are varieties of spirea that bloom in spring. It is generally not long flowering. Spring blooming flowers are mostly tall and have a pronounced crown. And summer varieties are undersized and bloom for a long time. Summer flowering spireas are good for an alpine garden. The spirea flower itself is beautiful, albeit small.

Let's characterize some types of bushes:

• gray spirea is probably the most common variety. Reaches a height of up to 1 meter, blooms from May to mid-June. It got its name from the color of the leaves. They are dull green with a pronounced gray tint.
• Japanese spirea grows up to 1 meter, the leaves are oblong, turning red or yellow in autumn. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be lilac, pale pink or white. Photos of Japanese spirea are fashionable to see in many landscape solutions.
• spirea Bumalda itself is low, reaches up to 1 m. It blooms in pink or lilac. The leaves turn either bright yellow or bright red in autumn. Many people buy it because of its long flowering, in summer, and even in autumn, the shrub plays with bright colors.

We are engaged in reproduction

Spirea is propagated by cuttings, bushing, dropping branches, seeds.

Seeds are harvested in autumn, dried. Closer to spring, they are planted in boxes with well-fertilized soil and covered with perforated film on top. Planted in open, well-warmed soil in the spring.

You can also propagate the bush vegetatively:

• cuttings. Undamaged shoots without flowers are cut. Then I soak them with a fungicidal solution for about 15 minutes. Everything can be planted in open ground.
• layering or instillation. Spirea branches bend to the ground and dig in a layer of soil. The branch takes root, then it can be cut off from the main branch, dug up and transplanted
• bushing or dividing the bush. The bush is divided into smaller seedlings either in spring or autumn. When manipulations are carried out in the spring, there is a danger of infecting the entire root system with some kind of disease, because the root is weakened and the weather is hot.

Spirea, according to general rules, is planted in slightly acidic or neutral soil. General rules for spirea planting and care - in autumn or spring. There is an opinion that spring-flowering varieties are best planted in autumn, and summer-flowering varieties both in autumn and spring. Spirea "gets along" well with various conifers, juniper thujas.

A pit for planting is dug one third more than its root system. Drainage is already laid at the bottom (pieces of brick, expanded clay, etc.), watered and allowed to stand for several days. Only then can you start planting: place the bush in a hole, cover it with earth, compact it, and carefully pour it on top.

General rules of care

Spiraea can be cut to your liking, whether it will be just a hedge, a pyramid roofing felts, or maybe even a ball. Cut the bush in early spring, before the leaves and flowers appear. They also remove old branches - they simply cut them off from the bush. If you forgot to prune in the spring, then it does not matter. You can then prune in the middle of summer, the bush may even bloom again in the fall. When the branches are cut, it is advisable to fertilize the soil with a weak solution of manure. In fact, spirea does not need much watering, only when it is very hot, it must be periodically watered with 1-2 buckets of water.

Spider mites and aphids "love" spirea. If holes appear on the leaves or there is a cobweb, then it is a spider mite. When the inflorescences withered or the leaves twisted - this is aphids. In this case, the bush can be treated with karbofos or fosfomid.

As you can see, spirea planting and leaving to will is not a whimsical bush that will delight the eye with early and violent flowering in spring or summer.

Spirea - 20 photos of proper care

Spirea is a shrub that attracts attention with lush flowering, spectacular coloring of leaves and inflorescences, the size and size of the bush, as well as unpretentiousness and endurance, this plant can be used in any landscaping option. But in order for the spirea to show all its decorative "opportunities", you need to know some details of caring for it. Let's get to know them.

Classification of spirea species

To begin with, it is worth remembering that all spireas are divided by flowering time.

spring blooming

Species such as spirea medium, sharp-toothed, plum-leaved, Vangutta, Thunberg, three-lobed bloom in May - early June and belong to the group of spring-flowering spireas.

summer blooming

Another group of spireas is covered with inflorescences in July - August and belongs to summer-flowering. These include dwarf, birch, Japanese, loose leaf, white, Douglas and densely flowered.

Planting spirea

Landing place

The site for these shrubs must be located in a sunny place, even in hot southern regions.

Landing time

The best time to plant spirea is September. Favorable weather is cloudy, and even better - rainy, when the soil is well saturated with moisture.

Soil and planting hole size

Spirea grow best and develop on loose, breathable lands with a lot of humus. Of course, plants will grow on poor soils, but in this case they will not be able to show all their beauty.

Planting hole size defined as follows:

• If the soil in your area is exactly what the spirea likes, the planting pits should be 25-30% larger than its root system and 40-50 cm deep.
• If the land at the site for cultivation is not entirely suitable, then it is advisable to dig a hole three times larger than the root system of the seedling. Both in width and depth.

The mixture that will fill the pit, are made up of sand (river), peat and sod or leafy soil. Moreover, two parts are taken of the earth, but sand and peat are taken one at a time.

Distance between planting holes depends on the placement of spirae and flowering time:

• Summer-flowering spireas, when planted in a hedge, are planted at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other, when arranged in several rows, the distance between rows is 30-40 cm. In a group planting, they maintain a distance of 50-70 cm, sometimes up to 1 m.
• Spring-flowering spireas are planted more freely. In hedges at a distance of 70 cm - 1 m, in group plantings - 1-1.5 m.
  For group planting, pits are dug at a distance of 50-70 cm.

Landing technology

Before planting, soil is first poured into the bottom of the pit, and then a seedling is installed, all the roots must be straightened and only, then everything is carefully covered with earthen mixture.

The bush is planted so that the root neck (the junction of the trunk and roots) is located at ground level.

Before planting, the root system must be inspected, cut off broken and dried roots.

If you plant a seedling with a clod of earth, then after planting a good watering is carried out.

And if the root system is bare (without soil), then it is placed for 12 or 24 hours in a solution of water and a root formation stimulator. It can be heteroauxin, succinic acid, indoleacetic acid and various other drugs that can be purchased at any garden or flower center. Plants treated in this way are immediately planted in a permanent place of cultivation.

Spirea pruning

Now let's talk about pruning, which is different for summer-flowering and spring-flowering spireas, since inflorescences in these groups form on shoots of different years.

Pruning spring flowering spireas

1. In spireas that bloom in May-early June, flower buds are evenly laid along the entire length of the shoots, but they bloom only the next year. Therefore, pruning such spirals is reduced to shortening frozen and dried shoots. It is usually held annually in early spring (March to April).
2. Adult old branches and weak shoots are harvested once every two years in the spring.
3. Also, such bushes carry out rejuvenating pruning. To do this, the old branches (older than 7 years old) are cut out completely.

Pruning summer flowering spireas

In plants that bloom in July - August, inflorescences are formed at the ends of the shoots of this year. The following year, these inflorescences dry out, and new flowers form again on young shoots.

1. Pruning of shrubs of this group is carried out in early spring, at the very beginning of the appearance of leaves. Each well-developed branch is shortened to powerful buds, and small and too thin shoots are cut out completely.
2. After the fourth year of cultivation, it is advisable to cut the bushes at a height of 25-30 cm.

Spirea Care

Watering

Freshly planted plants and plants in hot, dry times need regular watering. It is especially necessary to pay attention to the Japanese spirea, because without sufficient watering it can dry out and die.

Weeding and loosening

Young plants need to be weeded from weeds. You also need to periodically loosen the soil under them, because. when weeding and watering, it is compacted.

Mulching

It is good to mulch the earth around the spirea with peat, sawdust or husks from seeds, nuts or buckwheat. The height of the mulch is from 6 to 8 cm. This helps to keep the soil moist and loose for a long time, and also reduces the amount of watering.

top dressing

For full development and lush flowering, it is advisable to feed the bushes with fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements (for example, Kemira-Lux). This is done in early spring.

For spireas that bloom in July-August, it is also advisable to carry out another top dressing in June.

Reproduction of spirea

This ornamental shrub can reproduce

• seeds,
• layering and
• cuttings (summer and spring).

Growing spirea from seeds

For sowing seeds, wide and low containers are selected, which are filled with a mixture of peat (top) and leafy soil.

Seeds after sowing are covered with a thin layer of peat or light earth (1 cm).

The first seedlings appear on the 8-10th day.

To prevent the appearance of fungal diseases, the earth and the plants that have appeared must be treated with phytosporin, potassium permanganate solution or foundationol.

After 60-90 days, young bushes are transferred to a garden bed (shade or partial shade) and at the same time they must pinch the roots. Then be sure to water and cover with a small layer of mulching material.

In the first 3-4 years of life, spirea must be regularly watered and loosened. But it is worth considering that the root system of young spireas is shallow in the ground and can be easily damaged.

Bushes obtained from seeds begin to bloom in the 3rd or 4th year of cultivation.

Reproduction by layering

Spirea should be propagated by layering in the spring. At this time, low-lying shoots are pressed to the ground in specially made grooves and attached with small forks. The end of the shoot is cut off and its entire length is sprinkled with earth.

For the winter, layering is covered with crumbling leaves. By the next spring, rooting occurs, the shoot is cut off and planted in a permanent place.

Propagation of spirea by cuttings

The most accessible and fairly simple The propagation method of spirea is cuttings. In this way, any type and hybrid of this ornamental shrub can be propagated.

Cuttings are harvested after the intensive growth of shoots ends. Here it is worth considering that cuttings from spring-flowering species begin to be cut from the beginning of June. And in spireas that bloom in July-August, cuttings are harvested from mid-June.

Chopped shoots are placed in containers filled with a mixture of washed river sand and peat (preferably high-moor). For friendly and fast rooting, you definitely need 4-5 one-time watering or a mist-creating installation.

Most species of this shrub give a high percentage of survival (from 50 to 70 percent). And if the cuttings are treated in a solution of a root formation stimulator (12-24 hours), then the percentage of rooting can reach 100 percent. Rooted cuttings are transferred to growing beds next spring or planted in a permanent place.

Diseases and pests and their control

All types of spirea are not so often attacked by various pests, but sometimes this happens. Let's get to know some of them.

spider mite

Perhaps the most formidable among them is the spider mite, since from 8 to 10 generations of this pest can appear in one growing season. On the surface of the leaves, on which the spider mite has settled, whitish panicled spots appear. Then the leaves turn yellow, dry out and fall off.
The number of spider mites increases especially noticeably from July to August (in hot and dry summers).

To combat this pest, arex (0.2 percent solution), metaphos, fozalon, keltan and phosphamide are used.

Aphid

Aphids, which feed on the juice of leaves, pedicels and tender young shoots, also do quite a lot of damage. It is especially dangerous from June to mid-August.

This pest can be destroyed with solutions of pyrimor, actellik, kronefos, fosalone. With a small lesion, folk remedies will also help, such as tincture of tobacco, capsicum, onion, garlic, and soapy water.

Blue meadowsweet sawfly and whitefly

To combat these pests, you can use the drug fitoverm, decis pro.

Diseases

In addition to pests, spirea can be affected by fungal infections, such as gray mold and various spots. For treatment, fungicidal preparations are used, such as fundazol, fitosporin-m, ditan m-45, Bordeaux mixture, colloidal sulfur.