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Description
Spiraea Douglasii, commonly known as Douglas Spirea, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to western North America and can be found in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. The plant grows up to a height of 3-6 feet and has a spread of 3-5 feet. It blooms in the spring and summer, producing clusters of small pink flowers that attract pollinators. The plant has a dense, bushy growth and looks beautiful in garden borders, hedges, and informal screens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Spiraea |
Appearance
Spiraea Douglasii is a beautiful shrub that has a dense and bushy growth. The plant has thin, green leaves that are 1-3 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. The plant produces clusters of small pink flowers that are about 0.5 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant has a compact habit and grows up to a height of 3-6 feet and has a spread of 3-5 feet.
Care Guide
Spiraea Douglasii is an easy-to-care-for shrub that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears. Repeat the process in the late summer to encourage blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spiraea Douglasii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and distort. You can control them by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These pests are common in hot, dry weather, and can cause yellowing or stippling of the leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Spiraea Douglasii is native to western North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open forests, meadows, and along stream banks. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Spiraea Douglasii deer resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is generally deer resistant.
Q: Can Spiraea Douglasii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Spiraea Douglasii be pruned?
A: The plant can be pruned in the early spring to remove dead or damaged wood. You can also prune the plant after it has finished blooming to shape it or remove any unwanted growth.
Q: Can Spiraea Douglasii be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:
- Spiraea Japonica
- Spiraea Salicifolia
- Spiraea Vanhouttei
References
- “Spiraea douglasii,” Missouri Botanical Garden
- “Spiraea douglasii,” Fine Gardening
- “Spiraea douglasii,” Plant Finder, Sunset
