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Description
Spiraea Vanhouttei, commonly known as Vanhoutte spirea, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to China and is widely cultivated in North America and Europe. The shrub is a favorite among gardeners and landscapers for its beautiful clusters of small white flowers that bloom in spring and its vibrant foliage that turns from green to orange in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|—————|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Rosales|| Family| Rosaceae|| Genus| Spiraea|| Species| Vanhouttei|
Appearance
Spiraea Vanhouttei can grow up to 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has arching branches that form a fountain-like shape. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and bright green. In the spring, the shrub produces clusters of small white flowers that cover the entire plant. The flowers are followed by small, brown fruit capsules that persist into winter. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of orange.
Care Guide
Spiraea Vanhouttei is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Feed the shrub with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.- Soil: The shrub can grow in a variety of soils but prefers a slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Spiraea Vanhouttei is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spiraea Vanhouttei is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To control these pests and diseases, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Spiraea Vanhouttei is native to China and is widely cultivated in North America and Europe. It grows well in a variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and natural areas.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune my Spiraea Vanhouttei?
A: Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and cut back the remaining branches by one-third to one-half of their length.
Q: Can I grow Spiraea Vanhouttei in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the shrub in a container. However, make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and use a well-draining soil mix.
Q: Does Spiraea Vanhouttei attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the shrub’s flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Is Spiraea Vanhouttei deer-resistant?
A: No, the shrub is not deer-resistant and may be browsed by deer.
Related Plants
– Spiraea japonica- Spiraea x billardii- Spiraea betulifolia- Spiraea x vanhouttei ‘Pink Ice’
References
– Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing L.L.C.- Huxley, A. (1999). The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Grove’s Dictionaries.- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Spiraea Vanhouttei. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263136&isprofile=0&gen=Spiraea
