Garland Spiraea
Spiraea x arguta
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Spiraea x arguta is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). 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
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, possibly S. thunbergii x S. x multiflora.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Plants can be grown as a medium sized hedge.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it tolerates most soils, but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight. Hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants flower on the previous years wood and any pruning is best done soon after the plant has flowered, aiming to remove the dead flower heads and encourage strong growth from below the flowered portion of the stem.
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; Shady Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist