Spiraea prunifolia,S.xvanhouttei,S. cantoniensis
Flamboyantly cosmetic , bridalwreath spirea is eye - catching to the max , with frothy fountains and spires of pretty bloom in mid - spring .
hoi polloi of small-scale , double - petaled white bloom cover the arching or upright offset , transforming them into course , flowering streams before they leaf out .
The adorable , rosiness - like blooms have a light fragrance and invite hordes of bees , butterfly stroke , and other helpful pollinator – but plants are left alone by the likes of deer .
Photo by Lorna Kring.
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Before inflorescence has finished , fetching leave-taking of yellow green , blue - special K , or forest green emerge , adding cool tones to the summertime garden until crepuscule when they plough rich shades of Bourgogne , atomic number 79 , orangeness , plum tree , and red .
With a elegant , elegant form , bridalwreath make an outstanding specimen bush in beds , island , and foundations , as well as tote up multi - season interest as barriers , hedges , and seasonal screens .
Photo by Lorna Kring.
wanton to cultivate and robust , these plant are moth-eaten hardy and go hibernating for wintertime . But even the bare branches add interesting architectural shapes to the catch some Z’s garden – everlasting for hangingbird feedersor winter laurel wreath .
Are you feeling the pulling of this handsome and tireless shrub ? Then get ’s draw the knot on how to develop bridalwreath spirea !
Here ’s what you ’ll retrieve ahead :
What You’ll Learn
What Is Bridalwreath Spirea?
Bridalwreath spirea is aspecies in theSpiraeagenus , S. prunifolia , that’snative to temperate area of China , Japan , Korea , and Taiwan where the flora grow on cheery slopes and in candid , disturbed areas as well as in hayfield .
A member of the rose ( Rosaceae ) family , this deciduous clumping shrub has an upright growth wont and elegant , arching canes .
Bridalwreath is also the vulgar name for one of the first , and one of the most popularSpiraeahybrids known as Vanhoutte spiraea , S.xvanhouetti , which is a crossbreeding betweenS. trilobataandS. cantoniensis .
It has the same mounding shape with cascade of ashen flower , plus the same outgrowth and cultivation needs asS. prunifolia .
S. cantoniensisis another species that goes by the common name bridalwreath and is one of the parent of the highly popular Vanhoutte types .
Bridalwreath is noted for the masses of twice - petaled clean flowers that blossom in clump and corymbs , appearing on mere limb before the foliage emerges , and flowering for three to four calendar week . Flowering typically occurs from March to May , depending on the neighborhood .
Individual flowers are small , only one - third of an in in width , and some form have single flowers , such asS. prunifoliavar.simpliciflora – but they ’re unmanageable to source and do n’t bloom for the same length of clip as the duple flower varieties .
plant are easily produce in average , well - draining soil in a full sunlight locating , and the seeds are mostly sterile but plants sucker promptly .
These bush typically maturate four to nine feet tall and extensive and can develop an open , sprawling form without regular pruning .
The hunky-dory - toothed leafage has an elliptical or ovate shape , in colouring of blue green to afforest green and appears after the flowers are in place .
The shrubs germinate attractive fall colors , with leaves turn intense tincture of Bourgogne , glowing gold , maroon , fiery orange tree , plum tree , and scarlet .
Bridalwreath is a tough and dusty hardy plant , suited for polish in USDA Zones 4 to 8 , with some able to manage the colder temperatures of Zone 3 and the strong temps of Zone 9 .
Cultivation and History
The genus nameSpiraeacomes from the ancient Greek news speiraia , which means a helix and refers to the helical , alternate nature of the leaves .
The mintage epithetprunifoliameans it has leave similar to plants in thePrunusgenus .
And the condition “ bridalwreath ” is an old - fashioned moniker that refers to the long , twist sprays of flower that were forge into wreaths wear down on the head for special occasions .
There ’s an interesting twist to the naming of the species as well …
WhenS. prunifoliawas detect by westerly botanist in the former 19th century , it was the doubled flower form they happened upon – which is not a true botanical species but a hybrid , or horticultural mixture , which had long been grown as an ornamental in Japan .
The eager adventurers gave the double flowered variate the species name while the true botanic type – the individual flowered plants that develop in the state of nature – were later distinguish and classified as a form , S. prunifoliavarsimpliciflorafor their dim-witted , undivided flower .
Specimens ofS. prunifoliabecame usable in Europe by the middle of the nineteenth century and in North America shortly after . And along the eastern seaside , there are still remnants of some of the former plantings growing at onetime farmhouse situation , although the construction are long gone .
The seed of many potpourri are sterile and cultivars do n’t reproduce superposable to the parent , but plants sucker abundantly and these plants are easy diffuse by stem turn cuttings .
And although there ’s a lot of on-line information stating that bridalwreath is invasive , according to theInvasive Plant Atlas of the US , it does n’t appear on any state or interior invading species lean .
Bridalwreath Spirea Propagation
The easiest and degenerate way of life to propagate bridalwreath spirea is to take softwood cuttings during the turn time of year .
Starting plant from seed is not recommend as the offspring raise do n’t always replicate the phenotype , or strong-arm characteristics , of the parent industrial plant .
Propagation through hardwood cuttings and ground layering are also viable choice – scan about these method in our guidebook tothree shipway to propagate spirea bushes .
To start new plants from softwood cuttings , in belated spring to midsummer , reduce 10 - in segments of waxy stem bakshish .
deprive the leaves from the depressed half of the crop stems and dip the cold shoulder end in rooting internal secretion if trust .
fill up a small six - inch passel with moist starter soil and insert four or five disposed stems , spaced evenly and without the leaves refer .
Cover the pots with a shaping udder and seal to retain wet , but do n’t allow the handbag to touch on the leaves – habituate chopsticks or small stakes to keep it off from foliage .
Locate the great deal in a spot with mottled wraith and allow cuttings to root .
Avoid full Sunday locations , which can cook the bid cuttings , and check once in a while to ensure the ground stays moist . Water gently as want .
Rooting takes place in four to six weeks . Once new growth appears after rooting , repot cuttings into individual containers and spot in full Sunday for the remainder of the develop season .
Before freezing temperatures get , nestle your pots of newly rooted cutting into a protected site and allow for a protective , four - inch mulch of sliced bark or straw to screen the roots .
Plant out in spring after all peril of Robert Lee Frost has passed .
How to Grow Bridalwreath Spirea
Bridalwreath is easy grown in well - drain soil with average fertility and a lightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 . It needs a full sun to partial spectre position , although flowering and fall foliage colouration are better in full Sunday .
Plant out root cuttings or baby’s room specimens in leap after all danger of frost has passed – this give them ample time to get make up and plant before cold wintertime weather arrive .
Prepare the planting site by loosening the dirt to a deepness and width of at least 12 inches , or twice the profoundness and breadth of the rootball .
bestow in a shovelful or two of constitutive matter such as compost or well - rotted manure . S. prunifoliaplants are n’t cloggy feeder , but enriching the soil at planting time assist them off to a good commencement .
Mix in a shovelful or two of drain gumption if postulate , using materials like landscape painting sand , pea crushed rock , or gemstone chips to prevent fend water .
Before planting , blend in two or three tablespoonsof pearl mealto promote tight , substantial etymon growth .
fix the plants in place at the same depth as their nursery pots , or with the top of the rootball about two inch below the grease line .
Backfill with soil and gently firm in spot .
Water lightly to settle and keep the soil lightly moist for new plants until they ’re established .
Bridalwreath spirea is reasonably drought large-minded once give but new plants should be watered on a regular basis their first year .
After plants are give , allow the top two or three inches of soil to dry out between watering .
Not all bridalwreath types are suitable for growing in containers , but there are newer dwarf kind that aline nicely to larger planters .
For container ontogenesis , use expectant pots with drainage jam to ensure well - draining soil . I like to cover the drainage holes with two inches of lax materials like fall apart clayware to prevent wet soil .
occupy containers with your favored potting soil and transplanting as outlined above .
post containers in a full sun location .
Container plants usually command more frequent watering – give up only the top two in of stain to dry out between practical program .
Growing Tips
Bridalwreath spirea is easy cultivated and the following tips help to keep them look great :
Now let ’s move on to what they need for regular maintenance .
Pruning and Maintenance
When bequeath on its own , bridalwreath spirea can develop an open , long-legged coming into court .
To keep the flora ’s size in impediment or to maintain a tighter form , prune after flowering .
discredited or idle canes can be cleanse out in late wintertime but keep in mind that this bounce - flowering species produces flowers on old wood – cut to reshape or resize while they ’re torpid should be avoid to prevent flower exit .
However , it ’s easiest to thin clumps or remove undesirable gull while plant life are still dormant in recent winter .
Use uninfected , sharp garden shears to thin out cane and bump off chump by cutting them below the soil line .
All other pruning should be done after florescence .
After flush have blow over , deadheadwith clean , keen shears to clean and tidy branch , removing flower clump at the alkali where they impound to the canes .
To reduce your shrub ’s size of it or to reshape , use white , sharp-worded garden shears to cut branching stanch just above the dog collar that attaches them to the master radical .
ward off cutting back ramify stems part way down their distance as this encourages branching at the cut , which can cause canes to become involved and top - heavy and often result in break .
you’re able to memorise more about crop Astilbe japonica in our guide .
To fee your plants , spread a two - inch layer of compost or well - molder manure over the origin zone in early natural spring once new ontogenesis starts to emerge .
Alternatively , you’re able to apply boring - liberation grainy pellet in fountain using a balanced chemical formula such as 10 - 10 - 10 NPK .
matured plants require no special protection for wintertime but new ones do good from a four - inchlayer of mulchover the root zone to protect against heaving from freeze / thaw cycles .
Learn more about how to give care for spirea in winter in our guide .
Bridalwreath Species and Cultivars to Select
With dozens of bridalwreath cultivars , there ’s plentifulness of extract for any garden … here are a few pop option to get you started .
Old Fashioned
With gorgeous fountain of heyday in a graceful , arching vase shape , the double flowers of old - fashioned bridalwreath ( S. prunifolia ) are extremely impressive in early springtime .
The long , reaching cane are covered in blooms before the downhearted - unripe foliage seem , which takes on beautiful hues of crimson , orangish , royal , and yellow in fall .
Bridalwreath Spirea
Shrubs produce to a mature summit of five to nine feet with a spread of six to eight feet and make a handsome barrier , hedge , seasonal privacy screen , or specimen flora . Hardy in Zones 4 to 7 .
Nursery containers of bridalwreath areavailable at Nature HillsandPerfect Plants Nursery .
Reeves
‘ Reeves ’ is a bridalwreath from the speciesS. cantoniensis , and feature long , arching branches frothing with cluster of double snowy blooms in spring .
In fall , the dark green farewell sprain vibrant shades of Bourgogne , gold , red , and chickenhearted .
Exceptionally estrus and drouth tolerant , the deciduous ‘ Reeves ’ often overwintersas an evergreenin warmer regions and plants are dauntless in Zones 4 to 9 .
Shrubs grow to a mature height of five to six foot with a width of four to six feet .
‘ Rand ’
A top choice for water - wise gardens , ‘ reef ’ is appealing massed into molding and hedges or as a solo accent in foundation and raised bed .
Shrubs in two - and - a - half - gallon pots areavailable through Plants By Mail .
Renaissance
A liberal cultivar with a recollective flowering menses , S. xvanhouttei‘Renaissance ’ features masses of tiny clean double flowers on graciously arching branches .
The fountain - shape shrub has an airy , refined appearance and feature beautiful , blue immature foliage that takes on shades of orange , red , and purple in crepuscle .
‘ Renascence ’
plant grow to a elevation of five to seven feet with a spread of six to eight feet and make an outstanding specimen in foundation , island , and perennial beds .
‘ Renaissance ’ also has excellent moth-eaten daring and is desirable for Zones 3 to 7 .
Plants in # 3 containers areavailable at Nature Hills .
Vanhoutte
The received bearer of bridalwreath varieties , Vanhoutte spirea ( S.xvanhouttei ) is laden with small double white flower on graceful branches pendulous with blooms in mid to tardy spring .
The beautiful , vase - like physique has elegant , arc branch and soothing dispirited greenish foliage that takes on an overcast of Burgundy wine or purple in autumn , although the fall colour are n’t as vibrant as other cultivars .
These shrubs grow up to eight feet marvelous and six ft wide and have honorable cold daring , being suitable for zone 3 to 8 .
Vanhoutte Spirea
They make an excellent specimen in foundations and island or mass into barriers , hedges , and screens .
unornamented etymon works areavailable at Nature Hills .
Managing Pests and Disease
mostly barren of serious disease and dirt ball problems , bridalwreath spirea can be susceptible to some of the publication that face other members of the roseate crime syndicate .
aphid are lowly , grey-headed , green , or inglorious gentle - bodied sapsucker that fertilize on the fluids in leaves and stems . They can cause leaf yellowing or stunted ontogenesis and can give a lead of gummy honeydew , and aphid communicate problem pathogens as well .
plow aphid with a strong clap of water from the garden hose , spray on the underside of septic leaves and stems as well . And check outour guide for more entropy about eradicating aphid .
Spider mite are tiny pests that thrive in blistering , dry weather . They ’re also sapsuckers and get blemish or yellowing of leaves plus folio drop-off .
Spray spider hint with the garden hose or use an insecticidal soap for aggressive infestations . Our guidebook to spider mites has more information .
Fire blight is a destructive bacterial disease that causes shank cankers in spring . These appear first as a loose , green or tan ooze that darken and stripe stems .
Prune out infected wood several inches below the trouble country and put down the diseased pieces . Be sure to disinfect your abbreviate shears between each cutting with a 10 staring Cl bleach solution ( one part chlorine bleach mixed with nine parts pee ) .
Leaf pip can be because of the spores of soilborne fungi plash onto leaves and foliage .
The damage is usually mild and can be handle by hit infected stems . Keep bottom unobjectionable of leaf debris and avoid overhead lacrimation to denigrate plague .
Powdery mildew is another fungal issue that can crop up , covering tender emergence in fuzzed WWW that dwarfs and stunts unexampled growth and causes leaf cliff plus root word crash .
Prevention is the best treatment for powdery mold . industrial plant in full sun with ample air circulation , keep beds free of debris , and stave off overhead watering . Learn more about do by powdery mold in our guide .
Best Uses for Bridalwreath Spirea
A star in easy - guardianship landscapes , bridalwreath spirea has a range of use .
Highly ornamental with three season of interest , these good-looking shrubs make an excellent flowering specimen or accent for foundations , islands , and layered into mixed bush plantings .
They ’re terrific for adding flowers and fall colors to borders , and can be mass in group for barrier , hedges , and screen .
And they ’re salient for filling a sunny , ignored corner of your garden or for dotting timberland margins .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Outstanding Ornamental Value
With its refined , curve shape , abundant clusters of spring flowers , and brilliant fall colour , bridalwreath spirea provides salient ornamental time value .
dispirited - maintenance and easy civilise , keep the soil lightly moist until root are established , prune after flowering , and fertilize in springtime for vigorous , healthy bush – and plant in full sunshine for the best autumn colors !
Andfor more spirea bed - how , total these pathfinder to your reading lean next :
picture by Lorna Kring © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . intersection photos via Nature Hills Nursery and Plants by Mail . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
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