Spirea gray description
Spirea gray is a representative of a large family of Rosaceae. It, along with other types of spirits, can be easily 
attributed to the so-called small-care plants. This means that for its successful cultivation, a minimum of agrotechnical measures is required. Gray spirea is such a wonderful plant - it is both unpretentious, but very effective and decorative. At the same time, spirea is also beautiful after flowering. Gray spirea is often used in landscape design, it is loved for its great application possibilities: in single plantings, in various compositions, for creating decorative living hedges. When combined with other beautifully flowering shrubs, Spiraea can be used to create the cherished dream of many gardeners - a garden of continuous flowering.
The plant is a highly branched shrub, the height of which can reach about 2 meters.
The leaves of this spirea are narrow gray-green above, and much lighter on the lower side. The drooping shoots bend downward in graceful arcs.
The most valuable qualities of sulfur spirea
This shrub is suitable even for inexperienced gardeners. Spirea gray is very much appreciated for the following qualities:
- it grows well in hot and cold weather;
- very resistant to disease. Spirea is rarely affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites or leaf rollers, but it is very easy to get rid of them;
- the plant requires minimal pruning, which even a beginner can easily cope with;
- the shrub does not produce root growth. This means that the spirea will not grow throughout the entire site without your participation. For example, wild rose, fieldfare, blackberry, raspberry, sea buckthorn;
- even when the bush is pulled out, its trunk is not exposed. Gray spirea always looks magnificent, neat, tidy, retains its characteristic arched shape and blooms profusely. It is used to fill the lower tier and cover the bare trunks of other plants, for example, lilacs, irgi;
- perfectly tolerates winter, frosts and does not break under the snow cover, therefore it does not require that it be covered for the winter. It also makes it much easier to care for her. Due to the high unpretentiousness of the spirea, it can be found in any regions and growing conditions: in the northern and southern regions, in the steppe and forest belts, in the mountains and on the plains. Everywhere she feels great and pleases us with her appearance. But the best place for flowering and growth of spirea is in places well-lit by the sun or with light shading. Soil for spirea from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with moderate moisture.
The only thing that the plant reacts poorly to is the sudden changes in temperature. In this case, treatment with anti-stress drugs (according to the instructions) is very effective: Epin, Zircon, Domotsvet. These drugs also have a flowering stimulating effect.
Planting and care of a plant photo
Landing dates. When and where to plant. Landing scheme
The optimal time for planting spirea in open soil is spring and autumn. So that the exposure to sunlight does not injure the seedlings, it is wiser to choose a rainy, even rainy day for this procedure.
Any structure of neutral soil with acidity up to pH 5.6-7.8 is suitable for planting a colorful shrub. It is noted that it develops best of all on moist, drained loams. Beautiful, abundant flowering and a bright shade of pink petals are observed in well-lit areas or in light partial shade that falls on the bush, especially at lunchtime. The shade of the leaves depends on the amount of sunlight, which becomes more intense in bright light. The autumn foliage color, saturated with dark reddish tones, is noted in those places where the soils are more acidic.
If the bushes are placed as a hedge, the interval between them is 50 cm.In group plantings, at least 70-80 cm with holes recede.
Planting seedlings in open ground
The distance between the seedlings should be about 40-50 cm or more. It can be grown both singly and in groups, including with other plants.
The culture is not demanding on soils. However, in fertile moist soil, the development of culture will be better. The more acidic the soil, the brighter the color of the leaves will be in the fall.
Landing rules
It is advisable to dig a hole for the bush earlier and prepare the substrate so that it has time to settle:
- The size of the hole for the shrub is determined by the volume of its roots and makes the hole 1.5-2 times larger.
- The depth of the hole is 40-50 cm.
- A drainage layer of 10-15 cm is arranged at the bottom.
- The substrate is poured from the top layer of the soil and the seedling is placed so that the root collar is flush with the surface of the earth.
- Fill the pit with soil and compact it.
- A groove is made in a diameter of 50-60 cm for watering the seedling.
The subtleties of growing a shrub
The planting hole should be about 30% larger than the size of the root system. The root system is planted at a depth of about 50 cm. Good drainage is required on the days of the planting pit. You can use brick chips or sand.
Planting is best done in early autumn, the weather should be cloudy, and can also be planted in the rain. Birch spirea: varieties, planting, care and use in landscape design.
It is recommended to choose a well-lit place for planting. Also, the bush can be planted in partial shade. If the spirea is planted in a dark place, then it will grow more slowly, the flowering will not be as abundant, and the color of the foliage will not be as saturated as in the sun.
Japanese spirea: species diversity
Golden princess
Dwarf species. The height of the shrub does not exceed half a meter. Golden Princess has beautiful pointed yellowish leaves and delicate pink petals of inflorescences. Leaves are characterized by seasonal color changes, but their shade always remains soft and pleasant to the eye.
Spirea Japanese varieties Golden Princess
Little princess
The appearance of this type of Japanese spirea is fully consistent with the name. The height of the bushes is up to 0.8 meters. The crown is compact, has a rounded configuration. During the flowering period, the plant is covered with lovely pink flowers. Ellipsoidal leaflets are dark green in color. Little Princes makes luxurious hedges. This type of Japanese spirea is considered the most decorative. Even when landed apart, it will not go unnoticed
He is naturally written to be the highlight of any landscape composition, and it does not matter in what quality the species will be present there.
Spirea Japanese varieties Little Princess
Goldflame
It is the fastest growing Japanese spirea variety. Shrubs are powerful, reaching a meter in height. In spring, the plant is covered with bright orange-red foliage. Throughout the season, the shade of the crown changes, becoming bright yellow during the flowering period and changing to copper-orange in the fall. Gold Flame feels great in urban environments, so it can often be found in parks.
Bright variety of Japanese spirea Goldflame
Crispa
A graceful and incredibly beautiful plant. The undersized bushes have a spherical crown formed from wavy toothed leaves and are distinguished by a mauve shade of flower petals. Crispa is good on curbs and rock garden slopes.
View spirea of Japanese Crispa spherical shape
Spirea Shiroban
This species is also called the chameleon plant. The reason for this is the wide range of colors of discarded inflorescences. At the same time, buds from light pink to deep red shades can bloom on the bush. Spirea Shiroban belongs to the group of medium-sized. The height of her bushes is about 80 centimeters.
Spirea Japanese "Shirobana"
Diseases and pests
Spireas rarely suffer from disease and insect attacks. Problems arise with inadequate care.
The greatest danger to the plant is the spider mite.The insect can spread throughout the plant and move to neighboring ones. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with the pest immediately after its detection. If a cobweb appears under the leaves, they turn yellow and fall off prematurely, so the plant must be sprayed with a fungicide. The development of the disease is indicated by brown and red spots.
When infected with spotting, the affected areas are removed, and the bush is treated with preparations containing copper
