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Description
Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer, also known as the Japanese spirea or Anthony Waterer spirea, is a deciduous flowering shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Originating from Japan and China, this plant is widely cultivated for its beautiful pink blooms that appear in early summer and last until fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Spiraea |
Appearance
The Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer grows up to 3-4 feet high and wide, forming a compact, mounded shape. Its leaves are oval, dark green, and toothed, measuring 1-3 inches in length. The plant produces clusters of small pink flowers that grow in flat-topped umbels, creating a showy display in the garden. The blooms are followed by small brown fruits, which add interest to the shrub’s appearance in autumn.
Care Guide
The Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to grow with proper care. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during its growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
- Sunlight: The Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to some issues, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can infest the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation. Remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
The Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer is native to Japan and China, where it grows in a variety of habitats, from moist woodlands to sunny meadows. In cultivation, it is commonly used as a border plant, a foundation plant, or a specimen plant in the garden. It is also suitable for mass plantings, mixed borders, and container gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Spiraea Japonica Anthony Waterer a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, it is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to grow with proper care.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can I grow the plant in a container?
A: Yes, the plant is suitable for container gardening. Just make sure the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: When is the best time to prune the plant?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and shape the plant as desired.
Related Plants
- Spiraea Vanhouttei
- Spiraea Arguta
- Spiraea Thunbergii
- Spiraea Prunifolia
References
- “Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer'” – Missouri Botanical Garden
- “Spiraea japonica” – University of Florida IFAS Extension
- “Planting and Caring for Japanese Spirea” – The Spruce
