Managing Japanese Spirea - How To Control Japanese Spirea Plants

In areas where the population of spirea is sparse or in areas that are environmentally susceptible, one way to stop the spread of Japanese spirea is to cut or mow the plant. Repeated mowing of the invasive plant will slow its spread but not eradicate it.

Should spirea be cut back?

You should actually prune your spirea more than once a year, at least twice. Give it a good trim after it flowers in the spring by cutting back the tips of the stems to the top leaf bud. ... More drastically cutting back spirea should occur in the fall or in late winter to early spring.

How do I get rid of spirea?

Spirea has a healthy and reasonably deep root system, so leave about two feet of the strongest stems above ground. Dig around to find the roots and cut them back. Dig down around the stems to get as much of the root out as possible. You might be able to loosen the roots by heaving the stems backward and forward.

How do you trim spirea in the spring?

In the spring, after the first blooms are spent, cut the dead flowers back by trimming spirea's stem tips back to the topmost leaf on each stem. 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.

Is Japanese spirea invasive?

Also known as Japanese Meadowsweet, this ornamental shrub was first introduced from Asia around 1870 to 1880 due to its showy flowers. It is now classified as invasive in the Mid-Atlantic states, including Virginia, and is on the list for Arlington County. ...

Can I cut spirea to the ground?

The spirea species (Spiraea spp.) ... To control the spirea's size and keep it blooming year after year, you should prune it back after blooming or when it's dormant in winter. If it's severely overgrown, cut it to the ground to rejuvenate the shrub.

What can I plant next to spirea?

Companion plants for this group of smaller Spirea plants include Viburnum Carlesii, Weigela Sonic Bloom or Wine and Roses make great backdrops. Many shrub roses and perennials work well as companion plants with Spireas. Groundcovers and groundcover Junipers also work well as companion plants for this group.

How do you stop spirea from spreading?

Spirea will self seed and spread by rooting along the plant. Spirea japonicas are listed as a significant threat to natural areas. You can stop self seeding by deadheading the spent flowers before they set seed.

How deep do spirea roots grow?

The depth of the roots really depends on the height. For example, an old fashioned bridal wreath spirea that is 10' x 20' will have roots about 30” deep. A smaller maturing one, Sundrop, will have roots close to 12-18” deep.

When can I move spirea?

Whether you are introducing a container-grown spirea to the landscape or moving a spirea because it is no longer wanted or not performing well in a certain spot, spireas generally withstand transplant well. Whenever possible, transplant spireas in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, or in fall.

How far can you cut back spirea?

Trim back overgrown spireas or those that produced sparse foliage on the lower stems severely in fall after the foliage begins to fall off, to keep the shrubs shaped and compact. Cut back each stem to within 8 to 12 inches of the ground.

How do you take care of a spirea bush?

How to Care for Spirea Bushes. Once planted, the care of spirea requires a minimal time investment. Adding mulch around the plant will help retain moisture and regular summer watering will promote healthy blooms and growth. Prune summer-blooming spirea bushes during the winter or in the spring.

Why is my spirea dying?

Poor Water Management

Too much or too little water can stress plants. Although spirea tolerates dry sites, it grows best in consistently moist soil that drains well. ... Too much water can cause leaves to turn yellow or entire stems to die, which may give you a false signal your plant needs more water.

Does spirea grow fast?

Spireas (Spiraea species) are among the easiest flowering shrubs to grow. These attractive shrubs are fast growing and should be grown in full sun for best flowering. They can, however, tolerate partial shade.

Does spirea bloom all summer?

Many are low, wide shrubs growing to 3 to 4 feet in height with graceful branchings. They bloom throughout the summer from June into August. Some varieties to look for include the Japanese spirea bumalda cultivars.

How tall does Spirea japonica grow?

Spiraea japonica (meadowsweet) is a low-growing, mound-forming, shrub with rose-pink flowers in flat-headed panicles, from mid to late summer. Height to 3ft (90cm), spreads to about (1.5m).

Do you deadhead spirea?

Deadheading: This is merely the practice of clipping off old flowers to stimulate the growth of new foliage and blossoms. ... Pink flowering spirea should also be deadheaded. You can cut off old flowers using a pruners, hedge shears or an electric shearing tool.

How do you fertilize spirea?

Apply about 2 inches of aged compost over the area and rake or till it into the soil. Do this once in the early spring before new growth begins. When the fruit sets, spray the foliage with 2 ounces of 4-3-3 liquid organic fertilizer mixed with 1 gallon of water.

Is spirea an evergreen?

Spirea (Spirea spp.), a group of plants belonging to the rose family, are a group of deciduous shrubs that originated in Central and Eastern Asia. ... Because they lose their leaves every year, spirea are not considered an evergreen plant.

What type of soil do spirea like?

In order to get the most blooms, plant spireas in full sun. The soil should be moist and well drained, but spirea will grow in sandy or clay soils. Dig the hole to the same depth as the root ball.

Is spirea annual or perennial?

Spireas are small to medium sized deciduous shrubs that produce cascades of flowers in spring and summer. Among the easiest flowering shrubs to grow, spireas are often used in foundation plantings, as hedges, and in perennial gardens. Most spireas bloom in late spring to midsummer.

Will deer eat spirea?

SPIREA. It's a bit of a mystery why deer avoid spirea, but their aversion is good news for gardeners who love its abundant clusters of flowers in late spring and summer. A wide array of sizes are available, ranging from 2 to more than 6 feet tall.