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| Spiraea japonica
Japanese spireaCulture: This species performs best in full sun to light shade with acidic to neutral soils. Yellowing or chlorosis can develop on a few of the cultivars, like 'Little Princess', if the soil pH is not at least slightly acidic. Like the spireas as a whole, this species is fibrous rooted and easy to transplant. Since it flowers on new wood, plants can be pruned if needed in the dormant season and still flower the following summer. Because of its small size, however, pruning is not likely to be needed. Plants crushed by careless piling of plowed snow can be pruned to the ground in spring and recover nicely and flower in that same season. Although there are a fair number of potential pests, such as aphids, leaf-rollers, fireblight, leaf spot and root rot, spireas are tough plants and rarely would these problems be cause for concern or result in much damage. Usage: Its small plant size, fine texture and extended flowering display make this species a nice choice for massing, placement in front of the shrub border or for use as a small foundation plant. Tremendous variety in terms of leaf and flower color is available in the many cultivated varieties. Many different shades of yellow and yellow-green foliaged cultivars are commonly available. |
