Spiraea nipponica aka Snowmound Spiraea

Taxonomy

Spiraea nipponica, also known as spirea, is a robust and deciduous shrub native to the island of Shikoku, Japan. It grows to a height of 1.2-2.5 m and has a dense bushy habit, with arching stems and small rounded dark green leaves that turn purple in spring. In early summer, this shrub showcases its beauty with clusters of small, bowl-shaped white flowers that cover the stems. The foliage, obovate to elliptic in shape, is dark green on top and blue-green underneath, with round toothed apices. In the fall, the leaves turn a minimal yellow color. Spiraea nipponica is a favorite among butterflies due to its attractive flowers. The genus name, Spiraea, is derived from the Greek word speira, meaning wreath, referring to the showy flower clusters found in most shrubs within the genus. The specific epithet, nipponica, signifies its Japanese origin. Overall, Spiraea nipponica is a stunning shrub that adds elegance to any garden or landscape.

Common names

Snowmound Spiraea, Bridal Wreath Spiraea, Meadowsweet

How to care for Snowmound Spiraea

Difficulty

Snowmound Spiraea presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Snowmound Spiraea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Snowmound Spiraea is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Meadowsweet is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Snowmound Spiraea with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Snowmound Spiraea with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Snowmound Spiraea thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Meadowsweet.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Snowmound Spiraea should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia