Asian Meadowsweet (Spiraea trilobata) is a hardy deciduous shrub that grows in a variety of soil types under full sun or partial shade. Its native range is central and eastern Asia, but its value as a garden plant has seen it spread throughout most of the world. Asian meadowsweet produces scores of small flowers that tend to attract butterflies.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Spiraea trilobata, known as Asian meadowsweet, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. It was first formally named in 1771. Spiraea trilobata is native to Asia. It has occasionally naturalized in the United States.
Asian meadowsweet is dense compact, deciduous, small shrub about 1-1.2m tall, with arching stems and coarsely toothed blue-green leaves. White flowers in crowded clusters are produced on the previous years stems in early summer
II. How to Grow and Care
Asian meadowsweet thrives in well-drained soil with consistent moisture; however, it’s tolerant of different soil types. Full sun to partial shade ensures optimal growth. Special care includes pruning after blooming to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Asian meadowsweet is quite hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an easy plant choice for gardeners of all levels.
Sunlight
Asian meadowsweet needs sufficient light. The more sunlight, the more lush its blossoms. It can put up with short periods of shade, but overly shady environments weakens the photosynthesis process and reduces growth, leading to fewer blossoms and smaller, thinner leaves. The leaves of the variegated variety can lose color and turn green. Space plants 60 to 80 cm apart from each other in order to avoid blocking each other’s sunlight as mature plants.
Temperature
Asian meadowsweet originated in the temperate and subtropical mountains of the Northern hemisphere. It grows best in regions with distinct four seasons. It’s best grown in temperatures between 10 to 25 ℃ , but can survive as cold as -20 ℃. Besides its excellent cold resistance, it’s also drought- and humidity-tolerant.
Watering
Originating from regions with moderate moisture, asian meadowsweet has adapted to thrive in environments that do not require frequent hydration. This species exhibits a preference for consistent but sparse watering, aligning with its drought tolerance. Accordingly, it benefits from a watering schedule of once every three weeks. Transitioning smoothly into care practices, asian meadowsweet is more commonly grown outdoors where it can benefit from natural rainfall patterns. As a deciduous plant, asian meadowsweet’s water needs decrease during its dormancy period in the colder months, conserving resources and reflecting its adaptive strategies.
Soil
Asian meadowsweet can grow in barren, saline-alkali soil. It doesn’t require anything specific from the soil, which means you can use all-purpose garden soil. It likes sandy soil that is loose, permeable, and rich in organic matter, but can also live in loamy clay soil. If your region gets a lot of rain, mix 3 parts garden soil and 1 part river sand or perlite to improve the soil’s permeability and water drainage. It grows best in soil with a pH value at 7, a.k.a. neutral soil.
Fertilizing
For asian meadowsweet’s growth and bloom enhancement, apply balanced fertilizers monthly during the growing season. A light application ensures root health without over-fertilization—less frequent in fall, ceasing in winter. Practical tip: water asian meadowsweet after fertilizing to aid nutrient absorption and prevent root burn. Seasonal variations in fertilization match asian meadowsweet’s active growth and dormancy periods. Novice or expert, consistent, moderate fertilization will sustain asian meadowsweet’s vigor.
Planting Instructions
Asian meadowsweet is intolerant of standing water and can’t be planted on low-lying grounds. Transplant it in early spring and late fall, during its dormancy. Make a tree well 40 to 50 cm wide and 60 to 80 cm deep, and space plants 60 to 80 cm apart. Use either fully decomposed organic fertilizer or those with higher nitrogen and phosphorus content.
When transplanting, move root systems with surrounding soil. The bigger the plant is, the more soil should accompany the roots to raise its survival rate. After planting, cover with a layer of fine soil. Compact the soil and then water the plant. Water once every 7-10 days after the initial watering for 3 cycles, and then return to normal watering frequency as described below.
Pruning
Prune between the end of winter and early spring to trim overlapping, withered, or pest/disease-infested branches. If asian meadowsweet gets too large, doesn’t have enough growing space, or looks less attractive, prune it severely. Its ability to sprout new branches is relatively strong, and flowers only bloom on new branches. Therefore, there is no need to worry that hard pruning may negatively affect its growth or bloom.
After blooming, cut off the branches that flowered to avoid unnecessary nutrition consumption. This encourages new branches to sprout and prepare to flower. Cover incisions with callus anticorrosion film to encourage healing and prevent bacterial infection.
Propagation
Native to Asian regions, asian meadowsweet belongs to a genus known for its ornamental appeal and resilience. Propagation of asian meadowsweet is commonly achieved through cuttings. To ensure successful rooting, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and use a rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light, allowing asian meadowsweet to establish a robust root system. This method enables the preservation of the parent plant’s characteristics, offering gardeners a reliable way to expand their asian meadowsweet collection.
Transplanting
Optimal transplanting for asian meadowsweet flourishes when done in the heart of spring’s embrace, capitalizing on mild weather for root establishment. Seek a sun-kissed spot with well-drained soil to assure a seamless transition and vigorous growth.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Asian meadowsweet’s branches, leaves, and flowers are all highly ornamental and often used in bouquets. After harvest, cut the base of the flowering twigs at a 45° angle with a pair of sharp gardening scissors to maximize the water absorption surface. Place the twigs into a vase filled with clean water quickly to avoid water loss. Cut flowers can last 7-10 days.
