Spiraea thunbergii aka Thunberg's Meadowsweet

Taxonomy

Spiraea thunbergii, also known as Thunberg spiraea, Thunberg's meadowsweet, baby's breath spirea, or breath of spring spirea, is a deciduous shrub native to East China and Japan. It is widely cultivated and can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide, with wiry, outward-arching branching. This plant does well in long-lasting, direct light and prefers soil that retains moisture. While it is a rare houseplant, Spiraea thunbergii is easy to grow and requires regular watering. Repotting when it doubles in size is sufficient, and fertilizer is not necessary.

Common names

Thunberg's Meadowsweet, Thunberg's Spiraea

How to care for Thunberg's Meadowsweet

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

When growing Thunberg's Meadowsweet, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Thunberg's Spiraea with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Thunberg's Meadowsweet from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Thunberg's Meadowsweet regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Thunberg's Meadowsweet will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Thunberg's Meadowsweet prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Thunberg's Meadowsweet should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Thunberg's Meadowsweet’s native range is E. Asia - N. China.


More info:
Wikipedia