Care of the shrub Spiraea x vanhouttei or Bridalwreath |
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The genus Spiraea, family Rosaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs native to Asia. Some species are: Spiraea x vanhouttei, Spiraea salicifolia, Spiraea prunifolia, Spiraea japonica, Spiraea cantoniensis, Spiraea alba, Spiraea splendens. Common names: Vanhoutte spirea, Bridalwreath. It's a hybrid between the species Spiraea trilobata and Spiraea cantoniensis. They are shrubs with arched branches and compact bearing that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have oval leaves that are dark green on the upper surface and bluish green on the underside. The flowers are white and small but very abundant. They bloom in summer. They are used as isolated specimens, in small bushy groups and to form informal hedges. Spiraea x vanhouttei prefers full sun exposure to bloom spectacularly; in semi-shade it blooms less. They resist frost well. They grow in any soil that is well drained and contains abundant organic matter. Water frequently so that the soil is always damp but never watery. Fertilize with compost or manure in late winter and with mineral fertilizer every 3 weeks in spring and early summer. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. If there is too much humidity they can be attacked by powdery mildew and if they suffer drought by aphids and mealybugs. They are propagated by herbaceous or woody cuttings in early spring. |
Images of the shrub Spiraea x vanhouttei or Bridalwreath |
 Spiraea x vanhouttei  Spiraea x vanhouttei  Spiraea x vanhouttei |