Spiraea cantoniensis aka Reeves' Meadowsweet

Taxonomy

Spiraea cantoniensis, also known as Reeve's spiraea, bridalwreath spirea, double white may, Cape may or may bush, is a graceful and widespreading deciduous shrub native to China. Belonging to the rose family Rosaceae, it is a popular ornamental plant featured in gardens. Growing up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) tall, this shrub has slender arching branches with 3-lobed or deeply toothed green leaves, which are pale grey-green beneath. In early summer, the plant produces rounded clusters of white flowers that appear all along the stems. Its fountain-like form and frothy, pompom-like flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden landscape.

Common names

Reeves' Meadowsweet, Reeve's Spiraea, Chinese Spiraea

How to care for Reeves' Meadowsweet

Difficulty

Reeves' Meadowsweet requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Reeves' Meadowsweet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Reeves' Meadowsweet is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Reeves' Meadowsweet requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Reeves' Meadowsweet will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Reeves' Meadowsweet to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Reeves' Meadowsweet should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia