Fritsch’s spirea is characterized by its deciduous and perennial nature, typically manifesting as a shrub with a preference for well-drained soil and full sunlight exposure. The plant exhibits medium moisture requirements and boasts a robust adaptability to a variety of soil types. Its structure allows it to endure light shade more effectively than many of its congeners. Notably, fritsch’s spirea showcases the capacity for additional blooming when spent flower clusters are promptly removed. Pruning of the old wood is recommended in late winter to early spring, promoting flowers that develop on the new growth. Read on more to know how to grow and care for Spiraea fritschiana.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Fritsch’s spirea is a bushy, erect, deciduous shrub native to East Asia. It has lovely green foliage that typically turns attractive colors of amber to crimson and multiple small white flowers that entice butterflies. Its genus name Spiraea is derived from the Greek word “speira” meaning “wreath,” referring to the colorful bunches of flowers that are abundant on the majority of the genus’ shrubs.
Fritsch’s spirea leaves are ovate, elliptic-ovate, or elliptic-oblong, measuring up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. They exhibit a dark green hue and possess a toothed margin. The leaves’ texture is smooth, and they feature a prominent vein pattern. In fall, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of yellow-orange to red, enhancing their visual appeal. These distinctive characteristics aid in identifying fritsch’s spirea and appreciating its seasonal changes.
The flowers of fritsch’s spirea are white, forming numerous flat-topped umbels that range from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) across. These delicate blooms appear on new wood and rise above the foliage, typically in late spring to early summer, specifically from May to June. Each flower is small and densely packed, creating a bright, fragrant display that attracts various pollinators. Their arrangement and timing make the flowers a distinctive and eye-catching feature.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Fritsch’s spirea 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
Fritsch’s spirea 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 temperate regions, fritsch’s spirea is accustomed to moderate moisture levels and can withstand short periods of dryness. Its natural resilience translates into a preference for watering once every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the soil remains lightly moist without becoming waterlogged. As an outdoor plant often found in garden landscapes, fritsch’s spirea thrives when its watering schedule aligns with the rainfall patterns of its native climate, which promotes healthy growth cycles and optimal flowering.
Soil
Fritsch’s spirea 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
Apply organic fertilizer in the winter or early spring to help fritsch’s spirea thrive. Apply foliar fertilizer monthly during its growing period, phosphorus-potassium fertilizer 2-3 times during its flower season, and additional organic fertilizers after blooming time. To fertilize, dig a ring-shaped, 10-cm-deep (10 cm deep) ditch around its crown and fill it with fertilizers. This makes it easy for the roots to assimilate. Increase the diameter and depth of the fertilizing ditch as the plant grows. Water adequately after fertilizing to facilitate nutrient absorption.
Planting Instructions
Fritsch’s spirea 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 fritsch’s spirea 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
Fritsch’s spirea propagate through seeding or cutting. Ripe seeds can be sown directly and develop into nice-looking plants the very next year. Cutting propagation can be performed in all seasons except winter. Cut off strong branches that sprouted in the current year, dip them in rooting powder, and insert them in perlite or vermiculite, which are excellent at retaining water. Water adequately and mist the branches regularly. It usually only takes two weeks to generate roots in summer.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Fritsch’s spirea’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.
