Practical
Plants

Spiraea thunbergii

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Taxonomy and growth

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

Uses

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a medium sized hedge[6].

Environment

Range
E. Asia - N. China.
Habitat
Rocky hillsides[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
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[4]. Another report says that September is a good time to do this[1]. Division of suckers in early spring[4]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Cultivation

Tolerates most soils[4], but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight[1][4]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[1]. Succeeds in most soils, but requires a warm sheltered position if the wood is to ripen sufficiently to induce free flowering[3]. Hardy to about -20°c[3]. Plants flower on the previous summers growth and should be pruned immediately after flowering in order to promote new growth[2].

References

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

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

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

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

    ↩

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