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Spiraea nipponica

Nippon spiraea

Robust, deciduous shrub about 2.5m tall, with a dense bushy habit, arching stems and small rounded dark green leaves. Spectacular in flower when dense clusters of 5-petalled white flowers crowd the stems in early summer

Synonyms
Spiraea bracteata Zabel

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Gold Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Pendulous weeping, Spreading branched
Genus

Spiraea are deciduous shrubs, sometimes suckering, with simple leaves and short racemes, panicles or corymbs of small, 5-petalled white or pink flowers in spring or summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most moist soils, tolerant of all but the most extreme conditions, in full sun or light shade. Especially suitable for large borders and woodland planting

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 6 for spiraea flowering on current years stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus

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