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Description
Spiraea Betulifolia, commonly known as Birchleaf Spirea, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Asia and North America and can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and wide. The plant has a mounding habit and produces small white flowers in clusters during the spring and summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Spiraea |
Appearance
The Spiraea Betulifolia has green, ovate-shaped leaves that are 1-3 inches long and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are small and white, growing in clusters of 2-5 inches wide. The plant has a bushy habit and can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and wide. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow color before falling off.
Care Guide
The Spiraea Betulifolia is a low maintenance plant that requires little care. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. Fertilization is recommended in the spring and fall, using a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Spiraea Betulifolia is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticides or by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water. Diseases that can affect the plant include powdery mildew and leaf spot, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
The Spiraea Betulifolia is native to Asia and North America and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, stream banks, and forests. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does the Spiraea Betulifolia grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and wide.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize the Spiraea Betulifolia?
A: Fertilization is recommended in the spring and fall, using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What pests can affect the Spiraea Betulifolia?
A: The plant can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Q: What diseases can affect the Spiraea Betulifolia?
A: Diseases that can affect the plant include powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Related Plants
- Spiraea Japonica
- Spiraea Prunifolia
- Spiraea Vanhouttei
- Spiraea Nipponica
References
- “Spiraea Betulifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b731.
- “Spiraea Betulifolia.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/spirea/birchleaf-spirea-care.htm.
- “Spiraea Betulifolia.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/birchleaf-spirea-profile-3269362.
