Spirea planting and care: species and varieties, crop and reproduction

A huge role in the art of landscape design is given to plants. Experienced designers know almost everything about each type, the properties of the lawn grass, to the characteristics of large trees. The novice gardener would have to understand all the intricacies of a combination of different flora, explore the features of flowers, bushes. One of the elements used in the design of houses adjoining space is meadowsweet. It was her focus our attention, let us consider its varieties, planting techniques and care of spirea.

Own land in the city, suburbs, a residential villa building - a real salvation for urban residents. Some people are tired of the eternal bustle of the busy highway, the dirty air, acquire a small house in the village. Along with the cultivation of crops, many ennoble territory, use the services of specialists and farming enthusiasts do this themselves.

Spirea - a description of the plant

In the old books and classifiers, this plant is found under the name of meadowsweet. Spirea - a small genus of flowering perennial shrub of the Rosaceae family (Rosaceae), includes about 70-80 species, as well as many garden varieties that have arisen as a result of hybridization. Representatives of this species growing in the northern temperate zones of Eurasia and North America. However, home to most types is Central and East Asia.

Deciduous shrubs mochkovuyu have a shallow root system. A significant difference in height - 15 cm (dwarf) to 250 cm (giant). Color branches varies from light brown to dark brown. In form there erect, outstretched, lying branches options, so they can travel along the ground, grow a cascade. The bark peels lengthwise. Many species have oval, lobed, lanceolate (oblong with pointed tip) leaves a length of 2.5 to 10cm. Their jagged edges, rarely come across smooth, arranged in pairs.

Inflorescence meadowsweet composed of many small flowers 0.5-1 cm in diameter, consisting of 15-60 stamens, petals 5, 5 sepals. Flowers can form various shaped dense inflorescence panicles, essentially umbrella-shaped shields. Coloration, flowering and fructification duration depends on the variety. Ranotsvetuschie (spring) are characterized by white color, letnetsvetuschie - white, pink-red tone late-- different shades of purple. Begin to bloom for 3-4 year life, the seeds ripen within 1.5-2 months.

Spirea is used in ornamental horticulture, medicine, as it contains salicylates, its use in food. This is an excellent honey plants, they are very appreciated beekeepers.

Species and varieties

Deciduous shrubs are found at different latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, it grows in many countries, each of which conducts research in the field of botany, allocates its species. In this direction, working American, Canadian, Russian, Chinese, German scientists and specialists from other countries. To date, there are about 80 species of this plant, many different hybrids derived.

Some varieties are used in ornamental horticulture and park economy, others are not widely known, found either on its natural habitat, or the botanical gardens. Plants can classify on various parameters, but the core is their flowering time under which are two types:

1. In the spring,. Characterized by early flowering, strong tillering. Per stem flowers start to grow only in the second year of his life. The main feature - shades of petals in white only.
2. Letnetsvetuschie. Unlike the previous groups, buds appear just on young shoots, and the old is gradually dry out and die. The flowers are white, pink, purple tone.

blooming spring

There are many early-flowering species of plants, each of them has its own distinctive characteristics. Consider some of the most popular varieties, growers are using:

1. Spirea gray. This hybrid produced by crossing zveroboelistnoy (hypericifolia) and whitish-gray (cana) spiraea, so it does not reproduce via seeds. The height of the bush is 0.9-1.8 m. It is very compact, has a decorative appearance. It can be planted as a separate element, use whole group. Bride branch spiraea under the weight of lanceolate leaves and a large number of white flowers take on a curved shape.
2. Spirea Vangutta. This species is also derived from Canton synthetic method (cantoniensis) and three-bladed (trilobata) species. Scrub circular shape, its height is 2 meters. As in the previous embodiment, the branches are bent downward, covered with numerous hemispherical inflorescences arranged along the entire length of the shoot. The leaves are toothed, obovate. Propagation occurs cuttings, seed germination is minimal, not exceeding 5%.
3. Spirea nipponskoy. The birthplace of this species is Japan, Shikoku, and Honshu. Deciduous shrub, the height of which reaches 1.5 -. 2 m. Width up to 2 m Fruiting begins after 5-6 years. The branches are long, flowing. Obovoid, ellipsoidal leaflets 1.5-3 cm long. Flowers width of 0.9 cm, inflorescence - up to 3 cm, growing along the entire escape.

the most common of the existing subspecies of the following:

• Snoumaund. The shrub grows to a height of 1.2 m in width -. 2.5 -3 m Represents deciduous shrub with clusters of small bowl-shaped flowers.
• Halvard Silver. Thick low bush, not exceeding 1 m in height, 1.2 m in diameter. Leaves elliptical length of 4.5 cm. The flowers are small, it is growing rapidly.

1. Spirea Argut. Hybrid Thunberg (thunbeigii) and multiflorous varieties. Large raskidnoe plant height - up to 2 m leaves are narrow, oblong, strongly serrated.. Zontikoobraznye inflorescences include many small elements completely cover shoots. This is one of the most efficient, occupying a leading position at flowering shrubs, hardy, resistant to urban conditions.

flowering summer

These plants ripen later, but you can enjoy their beauty longer. Young branches, which grow buds, grow every year, after drying, the old cut no less than once every 4 years. Proper care and a well-developed root system provide durability bush. To view these subspecies greater detail in several embodiments:

1. Spiraea japonica. Homeland are China, Japan, Korea. High bush 1.2-2 m, with the same parameters width. The leaves are oval with serrated margins, alternate along the stem. The flowers are pink, are only at the ends of branches. It has four natural varieties, named after botanists from different countries.
2. Spirea Bumalda. Low plant up to 0.8 m. Grows slowly. flowering period up to 100 days. The leaves are egg-shaped dark green lettuce, golden orange. Depending on the variety may have a light pink, dark purple, dark shades of lavender inflorescences.
3. Spiraea purple loosestrife. Frost upright habit shrub, not more than 2 meters. Leaves elongated-oblong, acute at the edges. Petals - pink, inflorescence narrow-pyramidal shape, tending to cylindrical. It can be grown as an ornamental plant.
4. Spirea Douglas. It grows in western North America. It represents woolly bush. The distance from the roots to the top point comes to 2 m. In the early summer flowers are pink, darken over time. Leaves the tips are serrated. habitat - the swamp, mud shoals, banks of rivers. Native Americans used it as a broom.
5. Spiraea Billard. Artificial view obtained when crossed varieties and Douglas ivolistny. Scrub tall and 2.5 m. The dark pink petals, inflorescences numerous conical. Shoots upright habit, leaning slightly to the side, but did not hang. The leaves are dull green, long and tapering. It tolerates pruning.

landing Features

With proper care spirea gives long profuse flowering. Some species have their demands to the ground. All spirea fine take root in the fertile soil with the addition of foliar humus. Be sure to leave the root collar at ground level, so it does not peremokla not rot.

The choice of location and soil preparation

In order to observe the flowering beauty and enjoy the ideal form of yellow bush in autumn, you must choose the right place at the site for him. It should be an open area with the maximum amount of sunlight. In the shadow of spirea slow growth will flower less profusely. Bush planted in early spring, after the first of the kidneys or in the autumn, when leaves fall off all.

Spirea grows well in loose soil from the turf mixture with humus. The two parts are added fertile mixture of the sand. Healthy seedling has a well-developed root system, with the best of dried roots. If they too have grown, they have to be shortened to facilitate entry and survival. Too dry roots are placed in water, and the shoots are cut.

When landing spirea on a constant need to take into account its rapid proliferation and the appearance of basal shoots. She needs a lot of space. If you create a space you can not, the extra branches must be separated from the roots.

Planting spiraea hedge distance between the bushes should be at least 0.7 m, in creating formulations with juniper - up to 1 meter in a circle.

planting of spring

Choosing season planting depends on the type of spirea. Letnetsvetuschie varieties are planted in early spring, to have time to put a plant in the open ground before the leaves. Prepare the planting hole. Its depth should exceed three times the length of the root system at least 70 cm. Spread on the bottom of the drainage layer (10-15 cm) and covered part of the wells a mixture of soil, sand and peat.

At the bottom of the pit form the hill and sits on him with outstretched plant roots. Fill the hole pure land, a little crush, abundantly watered. Root zone carefully hidden under mulch.

planting in autumn

Early-flowering varieties of spirea are thrown in the fall. It is important to have time to put the plant in the ground for a couple of weeks before the first frost. During habituation plant should be in complete rest. Share desirable young bushes, whose age does not exceed 4 years. The root system is more mature plants difficult to extract from the earth.

Shared dig bush and placed in a container with water, so that lumpy moved adhering earth. Acute bush shears cut into pieces, so that each of them had a branched lobe roots and shoots several summer. Then the plant is sent into the ground by the standard procedure with the drainage, mulch and copious irrigation.

How to care for shrubs

Beautiful, undemanding plant used in any embodiment, greening problem. Maximum reveal decorative possibilities spirea can, if give it proper care. To maintain the attractive appearance systematically pruned bushes, form a crown, make it a pyramid, spherical, caring for the plants. Weak, old branches are cut at the base. Spiro can attack pests, and even snails. They must be in good time to fight.

Watering

Due to the nature of root system, its surface location, meadowsweet may lack of moisture in dry weather. Create a comfortable environment, you can prevent drying out if updated annually layer of mulch in the shrub roots. Spirea not respond well to excessive moisture, so it should be watered regularly, but sparingly.

Every adult bush for one procedure must receive at least 15 liters of water. The frequency of watering depends on external factors, the level of humidity, season, weather. On average, it is necessary to moisten the soil twice a month. Pozdnetsvetuschie seedlings require more abundant watering than early varieties.

Weeding, hoeing, and mulching

Foot of the bush should be kept in a loose state. Seal appeared in tree trunks need to be sure to warm up, saturate the soil with oxygen. Act should be very careful not to hurt the horse stelyaschiesya roots.

That the soil is always soft and airy, you need time to free the land from the spirea from weeds. The soil mulching with peat, husks of sunflower seeds, sawdust. Mulch layer should not exceed 10 cm, otherwise will create a greenhouse effect and roots may rot. Mulch indented placed 15 cm from the root zone, to avoid damage to the stems rodents.

Top dressing and fertilizing

The plant does not need much fertilizer, Spiro enough fertile land and infrequent watering. But moderate fertilization will come in handy in the spring and fall. During this period, use the universal bulk drugs. Care should be taken to put them into the soil adhering to the recommended dosage by the manufacturer. It is better to scatter them around the base of the bush. It strengthens the plant and stimulates its growth Kemira-wagon, NPK.

In addition to feeding spirea need for fertilizers. certain formulations developed for each of the growth period. The following solutions are used:

• Organic. Saturate their land after sanitary pruning and before flowering. Source of nutrients is the manure, chicken manure and superphosphate. For tall shrubs are harvested 1-2 infusion bucket. Undersized quite half the norm. As a fertilizer, you can use compost, ash, peat.
• Mineral. In the first half of summer emphasize urea, ammonium nitrate (ammonium, potassium, calcium). Nitrogen is used together with a mixture of phosphorus to spiraea flowering. In the autumn of these types of fertilizers can not be used because they can cause the rapid growth of new shoots, which do not have time to harden before the cold weather and perish.

pruning shrubs

Pruning is carried out plants that bloom in spring and summer. Faded broom brush removed from any kind of spiraea. This is especially important for varieties foliage which has a scenic view than the inflorescence. In this way, underline its expressiveness in the early autumn.

Make lush bush in spring, the varieties can be with a special pruning after flowering. The longest shoots are shortened by half or a third. Of them will go some branches and lots of buds. In this manner, luxuriant stimulate flowering.

By letnetsvetuschim spirea can apply multiple methods of shearing. The choice of method will depend on the purpose of planting, age of the bush. Solitary shrubs trimmed three years after planting for the formation of new shoots to bloom. following spring treatment practice:

• stimulating;
• formative;
• anti-aging;
• Cosmetics, sanitary.

breeding Methods

Spirea is very popular among gardeners. She looks great in the hedge, on a bed with other plants or a single landing. The plant is represented by a set of species, breeding of which you can do without a specially created environment. Spiro propagated in several ways, in the spring or autumn. If it is necessary to divide the plant in summer, do it better in cloudy weather.

seeds

It can be grown from seed, not all varieties of spirea. Hybrid types do not give shoots, but even if sprout, modify its properties. In other cases, this method of reproduction is pretty simple and rational. The advantages of growing from seed include the following factors:

• You can get just a lot of plants;
• Well kept after collection;
• Do not require additional preparation for planting;
• Seed dispersal carried groups ready primer.

Sowing takes place in spring. The big box is placed a mixture of peat with vermiculite and distribute seeds. Sprinkle soft ground and covered with foil. When the plants will give the shoots, the film is removed. After a couple of months shoots dive, pinch out the roots and transferred to a spacious drawer. In this capacity will be spirea summer. In autumn it is planted in the flower bed. On the main place is taken up in the next year.

Cutting

Save all the characteristics inherent in the variety can be if carried out breeding bush vegetatively - cuttings. The method is equally good for both types of crops, and for hybrids.

Woody cuttings are rooted in September. The beginning of autumn is chosen to simplify the care of plants, since the winter they do not need watering. For propagation only suitable annual shoots growing vertically. They are cut into several pieces, at the top left to the leaves, the bottom is removed. Placed in 12 hours in a jar with a solution of water and 1 ml Epin. Planted cuttings in the wet sand at an angle, and sent into the shadows. In winter Spiro dropwise and wrapped. In spring the plants can be planted in the ground.

by layering

Convenient way, if you need to get a little plant. In early spring when blooming of the first leaves bend down several lower branches of the bush and prishpilivayut them to the ground. Then sprinkle the earth and abundantly watered. The first buds are removed to get a new plant in the short term. In winter branches placed in a shelter.

Next spring you can plant out Spiro, the root system of plants will be fully formed. Slips neatly separated and do a transplant to a permanent place, using expert advice.

Blooming spirea

Spiraea flowering time characteristics associated with the formation of the inflorescence. In early-flowering flowers laid on old wood and appear with the leaves. Letnetsvetuschie varieties form small flowers in the inflorescence at the ends of the young shoots.

At peak flowering panicles escape cover the entire length or only its upper part. These plants are often used in mixborders, as they successfully participate in the compositions of floral and leafy clothes. In autumn cut the faded panicles, that they should not spoil the appearance of the shrub.

Preparing plants for winter

Thanks to good winter hardiness, most species of spirea do not require special preparation for the winter. The critical temperature for such plants is - 50 ° C. In regions with a snowless winter weather should still be held in late autumn some of the activities on warming.

When the bush bud, conduct sanitary pruning. Remove the sick, weak, dead shoots. Formation of a crown shears can weaken the plant, so this procedure is better to postpone until the spring.

After the end of leaf fall is necessary to conduct a thorough loosening around the whole bush, abundantly watered and cover the area near the roots leaves, sawdust, peat. Height mulch layer should be at least 20 cm. This insulation will keep the root system, will prevent branches from freezing.

Fighting against diseases and pests

With excellent immunity, spirea rarely exposed to diseases and pest attacks. Even if the disease could not be avoided, it is unlikely to suffer seriously. Lose decorative spirea can be in the following cases:

• Attack aphids. Large colonies of dried young branches, leaves. Against them well to ordinary garlic tincture with a few drops of manganese. Also use special equipment - "Kronefos", "aktellik";
• Rosaceae miner. Females mining flies puncture the leaves and lay their eggs, which leads to the death of branches. Larva destroy waxy means, based on pyrethrum insecticides;
• Moth rose. Caterpillars appear with the first warming, tightening the leaves and gnaw into the tube. Bush treated with a solution of soap and ash drugs "Denis pros", "Fitoverm";
• Spider mite. Great generation covers the stems with white bloom. Then they take a red tint, wither and fall off. For pest control using infusion of ash and soap, "phosalone" drugs "Metofos";
• Blue tavolgovy sawfly. Even a couple of larvae can cause serious damage to the plant by eating its shoots and leaves. To combat use insecticide spraying.
• Whitefly. They feed on plant sap, multiply rapidly. Midges carry disease-causing viruses. Adults are caught in special traps hung near spirea, larvae removed with soapy water, infusion of garlic.

conclusion

Grow healthy lush shrub can, without any special effort. Spirea great for beginners growers, but decided to try himself in the land and works to plant the plants on the site. The abundance of species and forms allows you to create stunning compositions, combined with other beautiful perennials.