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Monday, March 3, 2014

Feature Spring Flowering Shrub Spirea

Spirea japonica Little Princess (part shade tolerant)

There are over 70 varieties of Spirea making it a very versatile and desired flowering shrub in the landscape. Species exist in a wide selection of sizes and bloom color. Spirea are considered small to medium sized deciduous shrubs that produce white, pink or crimson flowers in spring and throughout the summer months.

Generally the bumald spirea (Spirea bumalda) and the japonica (Spirea japonica) are more small to medium sized ranging from 2 in height such as the shade tolerant Little Princess Spirea and 2-3 in height including the Limemound, Goldmound and Goldflame varieties. Spirea Anthony Waterer grows to 3-4, Spirea nipponica Snowmound grows 3-5 and Vanhoutte spirea (Spirea vanhouttei), Bridal Wreath Spirea grows up to 10 tall and 20 wide.

Spirea bumalda Limemound

Spirea prefer to be grown in full sun to partial shade depending on the variety and are hardy to USDA zone 3 with the exception of Anthony Waterer which is hardy to USDA zone 4. Spirea prefer a slightly moist but well-drained acidic soil and are drought tolerant once established.

Most spirea can be pruned after flowering to keep their shape compact. The bumald and Japanese spireas should be pruned in early spring (late March, early April) to promote the best flowering.

Spirea bumalda Anthony Waterer (part shade tolerant)

Spirea serve nicely in foundation plantings, perennial gardens, cottage gardens, woodland plantings, formal and informal settings. The smaller (bumalda and japonica) varieties look nice as a mass planting of odd numbers and the larger Vanhoutte variety can be planted either in mass as in a woodland setting or as a single specimen among evergreens or other flowering shrubs.When used along with a backdrop of evergreens or as a hedge they can give a more formal look or when planted with grasses and perennials can lend to a more informal appearance.
Being low maintenance, drought tolerant and even deer resistant, spirea can make an excellent addition to your garden.

Spirea bumalda Goldflame

Some spirea including Goldflame,
Goldmound and Limemoundalso display interesting colorful foliage and put on quite a spring and fall show. As mentioned in the name, Spirea Goldflame shows off orange-red new growth in spring and fiery-red foliage in fall. Goldmound and Limemound look great in spring alongside blooms of perennials such as nepeta, salvia and ajuga.

Spirea japonica Goldmound

If you have a slightly shadier setting try Spirea Little Princessalong with hosta, liriope and heuchera (coral bells). Anthony Waterer is a bit taller so try it along with some hemerocalis (daylily).

Now that you see just how versatile these wonderful shrubs can be give them a try in your landscape. They will give you years of enjoyment!

For more information on even newer varieties visit Feature Shrub: Spirea Double Play.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, copyright 2012

Thinking Spring Color in the Garden Part III Perennials

The rains are coming down in the northeast and the daylilies are poking their heads up through the soil so it is time to talk about perennials.

When it comes to combining perennials, colors from opposite sides of the color wheel combine the best. My favorite combination is that of purple and yellow. The cool color of purple ‘Maynight ‘ Salvia or blue Nepeta ‘Walkers Low’ combine beautifully with the warm yellows of Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’ and Daylilly ‘Stella D’Oro’and also go along with the yellow-orange color of Gaillardia Goblin. Combine purples and yellows along with the deep maroon color of Barberry ‘Royal Burgundy” and you have an array of color which one cannot resist.

Salvia Maynight

Another favorite is heuchera or ‘Coral Bells’ which is known for its deep burgundy foliage throughout the season and dainty white flowers in Spring which closely resemble baby’s breath. There are many varieties of heuchera but the one which I find to be most hardy in the Northeast is Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ which tends to hold up better here with our severe winters. Heuchera goes beautifully along with coreopsis, salvia and nepeta as well as with grasses.

Coreopsis Zagreb

Another suggestion for combining perennials with grasses would be the combination of Sedum ‘Brilliant’ with dwarf fountain grass, coreopsis and perhaps a weeping evergreen as a focal point. As far as sedum is concerned, there are also many varieties but I prefer the ‘Brilliant’ for its more vibrant pinkish color and shorter stature as compared to ‘Autumn Joy’-but it’s a matter of opinion. The ‘Autumn Joy’ or even the Spurium ‘Rose Glow’ would also complement grasses nicely in the garden.

Hosta Patriot

If you prefer the woodland look or have shady conditions then the ole reliable hosta comes to mind. There are so many varieties of Hosta to choose from and it is virtually indestructible. Also if you separate them with a sharp spade in early spring they will re-grow quickly to form a perfectly circular shape as if they were never touched. One of my favorite varieties of hosta is ‘Patriot’. It’s deep green foliage edged with a creamy white border makes it a welcome guest to brighten up even the darkest of shade gardens. It does very well here in the Northeast and goes beautifully with variegated liriope, heuchera (coral bells) and astilbe. Other favorites are ‘Francee Williams’, ‘Blue Cadet’ and ‘Golden Tiarra’.

Gaillardia Goblin

There are so many perennials to choose from for the garden. I have tried to focus on varieties which are hardy in the Northeast and which are my all time favorites for long bloom time, abundant color and dependability.

Heuchera Coral Bells

After years of experience as a designer I find these to be the most reliable and have enjoyed them in my own gardens for years and will continue to enjoy them for years to come.

In future articles I will focus more on the uses of combinations of perennials in the cottage garden as well as the incorporation of perennials along with evergreens and deciduous plants for everlasting beauty and enjoyment. For a complete gallery of perennials mentioned in this post visit: Perennials .

Happy gardening!

Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved