Spirea

Spiraea are eye-catching, luxurious, spreading shrubs covered with dark green foliage. The branches of the plant falling down become covered in spring white, delicate flowers, like a translucent girl’s veil.

Spirea is popularly called the White Bride, probably because of its snow-white flowers. Although, in fact, there are many species of this shrub, with inflorescences of different colors: from white to soft pink and rich red.

Shrubs differ not only in the shade of flowers, but also in size: they can be miniature, or huge, spherical.

But the main varietal difference is the flowering time. And if you plant several species of this honey plant in the garden, you will be able to enjoy its bright colors from spring until late autumn.

Caring for bushes not difficult at all. All that is needed for abundant flowering is fertile soil, good illumination of the area, moderate watering (only newly planted plants need abundant watering) and, of course, fertilizing and pruning.

Reproduction

Spiraea is propagated by seeds, cuttings and so-called layering. The easiest way is propagation by layering. In spring, you just need to bend the branches of the plant to the ground, secure it, cover it well with soil and systematically water it abundantly. And by the fall you will receive new plants that can be planted, separated from the mother.

Trimming

It is recommended to prune Spiraea by vein; all old, dead, broken branches must be removed. The second pruning can be done after flowering; removing old coarse branches will rejuvenate the bushes.

Spirea is a perennial plant; if you care for it with love, it will delight you with its flowering for 15-20 years.

Signs

The plant is associated with folk signs. It has long been believed that if a young lady who has “stayed too long as a wench” wants to get married, she should plant a Spiraea bush in her garden. If by next spring the White Bride blooms profusely, you can prepare for matchmaking in the fall.

Whether to believe in omens is a personal matter for everyone, but one thing can be said with confidence: a blooming Spiraea under the window will always lift your spirits, inspire a romantic mood, and become a worthy decoration of the spring garden.