Users' questions

Does spirea like acid fertilizer?

Does spirea like acid fertilizer?

Spirea are wonderfully carefree and easy to grow. They do best when planted in soil of average fertility with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Generally, they’re not heavy feeders and over-fertilizing should be avoided to prevent sprawl.

How do you care for a Snowmound spirea?

Water Snowmound spirea weekly to a depth of 2 inches. Increase water to 3 inches during periods of extreme heat or drought. Eliminate all supplemental irrigation during rainy weather. Avoid spraying the foliage or stems when watering to prevent fungal or bacterial infections.

Does spirea like acid soil?

They prefer growing in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility. Japanese Spirea grow best in an acid to slightly alkaline soil ranging between 5.5 to 8.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

How do you prune spirea Nipponica?

Routine pruning is unnecessary but if required, take out the old shoots from the base and trim back the younger stems to required size. It is best to prune after flowering, which for the spring flowering varieties such as Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’ (illustrated,) will be in late spring/early summer.

What fertilizer is good for spirea?

Most established plants grow best if fertilized with a light hand. Here at the Farm, we fertilize our specimen trees and shrubs just once — in early spring — with a light but even coverage of a balanced, granular fertilizer (such 5-10-10, 10-10-10, or an organic fertilizer).

How do I get my spirea to bloom?

Spireas appreciate full sun to produce the most flowers, though they’ll also grow in partial sun. They’re not picky about soil, as long as it’s not waterlogged, and mulching around their bases can help conserve moisture and provide a slow, subtle release of nutrients for them.

How far can you cut back spirea?

Throughout the summer, the plants shape can be maintained by cutting back overgrown spirea shoots or stems as well as any dead or diseased branches. Try to make the cuts within ¼ inch (6 mm.)

Can I use Miracle Grow on spirea?

Granular, liquid or stake type fertilizers can be used. Liquid fertilizers (such as Miracle Gro) are mixed with water and applied the same as you would water the plant (see product for specific details). This should be done three or four times per year starting in late April and ending in mid July.

Do I need to fertilize spirea?

Spireas are not heavy feeders, so, after they have been in place for a season, start to fertilize them once every year in the fall after their leaves fall or early spring, which is better in the South. Sprinkle some all-purpose slow-acting granular fertilizer on the soil over their roots for the rain to soak in.

When can I cut my Spirea back?

Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back the spireas. Though spirea species that bloom on the previous year’s growth are normally pruned in summer after the flowering period, all spireas should be rejuvenated in late winter to early spring.

Where to plant Spirea?

Choose a planting area for the spirea that will provide it with full sun. Spirea can tolerate some light shade but prefers being planted in full sun. Turn over the soil using a spade down to a depth of between 12 and 16 inches to mix in organic matter.

How to prune the Blue Beard Spirea?

Examine your blue beard in late winter or early spring for emerging buds along the twiggy stems.

  • removing any winter-damaged top growth anywhere from 3 inches to 1 foot above the ground.
  • Prune plants back by half to control their size when you are in a frost-free climate.
  • When to prune white spirea?

    Prune spirea in late winter or early spring. Although 6 to 8 inches is usually enough to stimulate new growth and will preserve the spirea’s natural shape, it’s safe to remove up to 30 percent of the bush.