Springtime Shrubs

Spiraea (Spirea)

Everyone knows a spirea.  These mounded or vase forming shrubs are probably one of the most common plants in prairie home gardens. Despite their omnipresence, one suspects they are somewhat underappreciated. 

For both novice and experienced gardeners this cold hardy shrub has much to offer.  For the novice it is a reliable, not too fussy on soil type, relatively pest free and disease resistant plant whose summer blooming varieties produce flowers well into the fall.  In short it is a good performer. Within the species there is enough diversity with respect to size, bloom time, leaf texture and colour and propagation methods to offer the experienced gardener some experimental latitude.

Spring blooming spireas, like the show stopping ‘Bridal Wreath” are a bright white while the summer blooming spireas offers varying shades of pink.   Leaves with colours like lime, yellow, red, or bronze really make the plant pop.  Some spireas may be considered three season plants with leaf colour in the spring, flowers in the summer and another leaf colour in the fall. Although they prefer full sun spirea can tolerate partial shade.

Like us, spireas appreciate a good haircut.  For the summer blooming varieties prune when dormant, in late winter or early spring.    Some gardeners like to cut them to the ground for a richer leaf colour and fuller plant.  Summer blooming spireas can also be pruned throughout the season.  The spring blooming plants should be pruned after the blooms fade and before they set bud for the following year.