Bridalwreath Spiraea
Spiraea prunifolia
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Early winter, Late spring, Late winter, Mid spring, Mid winter. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.
Spiraea prunifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Sunny hillsides to 1500 metres. Stony and barren places in C. and S. Korea.
E. Asia - E. China, Korea, Taiwan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is emetic. It is used in the treatment of malaria and fever.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Tolerates most soils, but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight. Hardy to about -20°c. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Flowers are produced on the previous seasons growth and any pruning is best done immediately after flowering in order to promote new growth and plenty of flowers in the following year. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: 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. Another report says that September is a good time to do this. Division of suckers in early spring. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist