Practical
Plants

Spiraea japonica

Japanese Spiraea

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Spiraea
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a low hedge, the cultivar 'Albiflora' has been especially mentioned[7]. 'Bumalda' has also been recommended[5]. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way[6].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Hedge

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Japan.
Habitat
Mountains all over Japan[8].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a light sandy soil a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, October/November in an outdoor frame[5]. Another report says that September is a good time to do this[2]. Division of suckers in early spring[5]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Cultivation

Tolerates most soils[5], but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight[2][5]. Succeeds in part shade[4]. Hardy to about -20°c[4]. A polymorphic species[1], it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[2]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  7. Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

    ↩

  8. Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00

    ↩

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