Japanese Spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet
Spiraea japonica

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Spiraea japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Mountains all over Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

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

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

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

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; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. albiflora.