Contents
Description
Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim, commonly known as Grefsheim Spirea, is a deciduous flowering shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it grows in moist, cool environments. The shrub is a popular choice for landscaping due to its stunning white flowers that bloom in early spring, before the leaves emerge. The flowers are arranged in clusters of small, five-petaled blossoms that cover the entire plant, creating a beautiful display. The shrub’s foliage is a bright green color, turning yellow and orange in the fall. Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges and borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Spiraea |
Appearance
Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim has a dense, mounding growth habit with arching branches. The shrub’s leaves are oval-shaped, serrated, and arranged alternately on the stem. The foliage is a bright green color, turning yellow and orange in the fall. The shrub’s showy white flowers bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are arranged in clusters of small, five-petaled blossoms that cover the entire plant, creating a beautiful display. The shrub’s bark is brown, and its roots are shallow and fibrous.
Care Guide
Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful shrub:- Water: Grefsheim Spirea prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the shrub deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: Grefsheim Spirea thrives in well-drained, loamy soil. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Grefsheim Spirea is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, some common issues to look out for include:- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with a fungicide.- Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf curling and distortion. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Scale insects: Tiny, round insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Control with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it grows in moist, cool environments. The shrub prefers well-drained, loamy soil and full sun to partial shade. It is commonly used for landscaping in residential and commercial settings.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I prune Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim back one-third of the plant’s overall size to encourage healthy growth.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Grefsheim Spirea?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Q: Can I grow Grefsheim Spirea in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Grefsheim Spirea in a container. Choose a large pot with drainage holes, and use a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly and fertilize once a year in early spring.
Q: Is Spiraea Cinerea Grefsheim deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Grefsheim Spirea is deer-resistant due to its bitter taste.
Related Plants
– Spiraea betulifolia- Spiraea japonica- Spiraea prunifolia- Spiraea cantoniensis- Spiraea nipponica
References
– “Spiraea cinerea Grefsheim.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287272&isprofile=0&.- “Spiraea cinerea Grefsheim.” PlantFiles. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/73499/.- “Spiraea cinerea Grefsheim.” Fine Gardening. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.finegardening.com/plant/spiraea-cinerea-grefsheim.
