Even though Spirea is a tough, low-maintenance shrub, picking the right spot in your yard makes all the difference. To help your plants thrive, let’s dive into where they’re happiest, what kind of soil they crave, and the best way to keep them hydrated.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Spirea
If you want your Spirea to really show off, plant it in full sun. These shrubs are sun-lovers, and the more light they get, the more spectacular their blooms will be. They can handle partial shade, too, but you’ll want to give them a little extra fertilizer during the flowering season to help them along.
Don’t forget to give them some breathing room! Good airflow keeps them healthy and prevents disease. The amount of space you’ll need depends on which variety you’re planting:
- Dwarf varieties (like Japanese Spirea): Space them about 12 to 15 inches apart.
- Mid-sized varieties: Aim for about 20 to 24 inches of space.
- Large varieties (like Vanhoutte Spirea): These big guys need 3 to 5 feet to spread out.
If you’re planting a Spirea hedge, you can tuck them in a little closer together to get that nice, full look.
The Best Soil for Your Shrubs
While Spirea isn’t too picky and grows well in most gardens, it really loves soil that is rich in nutrients and stays consistently moist. The key is “well-draining” soil—you want the roots to be able to grow easily without sitting in a puddle. One thing to watch out for: Spirea isn’t a fan of highly alkaline (chalky) soil, so keep that in mind when prepping your garden bed.
Watering Tips for a Happy Spirea
Spirea likes its “feet” moist and doesn’t handle drought very well. To keep it happy, make sure you’re watering regularly so the soil never completely dries out. A pro tip for keeping that moisture in the ground is to add a layer of mulch around the base. You can use:
- Standard wood mulch
- Pine boughs or brush
- Fallen leaves
- Straw
- Grass clippings
