Propagating a Spirea bush is actually pretty easy and won’t take up too much of your weekend! Depending on which variety you have and what time of year it is, there are a few different ways to get the job done. Generally, you’re looking at three main methods:
- Layering the branches,
- Using root suckers, and
- Growing from cuttings.
Propagating Spirea via Layering
Layering is probably the easiest way to propagate a Spirea, and it works for almost every variety out there. To get a “layer” to take root, find a strong, healthy two-year-old branch in early summer. Gently pull it down to the ground and tuck it into a small trench about an inch deep. Cover that section of the branch with soil, but make sure at least 6 inches of the tip is still poking out of the ground.
After a few weeks, that buried section will start growing its own roots. Once those roots feel nice and sturdy, you can snip the branch away from the “mother” plant, carefully dig it up, and move it to its new permanent home in your garden.
Using Root Suckers to Grow New Spirea
If your Spirea is the type that spreads, using root suckers is another super simple shortcut. Just keep in mind that not every variety produces these, so check your plant first. The best time to do this is during the early summer. Here’s the game plan:
- Give the main bush and the suckers a good drink of water.
- Use a sharp spade to slice the sucker away from the main mother plant.
- Dig it up and plant it wherever you’d like it to grow.
- Fill the hole back in next to the original plant.
- Give your new little Spirea another watering to help it settle in.
Growing Spirea from Cuttings
Propagating from cuttings is a little more “advanced,” mostly because the little guys need the perfect environment to thrive. They love consistent moisture, partial shade, and warm (but not scorching) temperatures. You can try this in the spring or right when you’re doing your annual pruning.
Take a cutting about 6 inches long from a semi-woody branch. Strip off any buds and leaves, then pop it into a pot filled with high-quality seed-starting mix. Water it well and keep that soil damp! A little trick for the early days is to cover the pot with some plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect. You can move your new Spirea out into the garden anytime from mid-May through the fall.
