Spiraea japonica 'Albiflora'

A deciduous, clump-forming small shrub growing to 2m tall and 1.5m wide.

Leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, pale green and toothed. Terminal heads of many white flowers are produced from mid-summer through to autumn.

Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Spiraea will tolerate light shade but often become leggy and unsightly in too much shade.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Pruning can be done after flowering in autumn, this is normally done just to keep growth in check and keep the plant tidy. Old, woody plants can be rejuvenated by pruning out any large, thick stems out to the base of the plant and a balanced feed applied at the same time to encourage new growth. If plants are still young then some people just give them a light trim with shears to remove old flower heads. To propagate, even though this plant is a shrub it can actually be divided, this can be done in autumn to early winter enables the new plants to establish while the soil remains relatively warm and the plants can then burst into life the following spring. Dividing can be achieved by lifting the whole clump and placing two garden forks back to back in the middle of the clump and then pushing in and forcing apart with the forks. The resulting clumps can then be divided further either with forks or by hand. The clumps should then be immediately re-planted in their new positions and watered in. Alternatively, semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in early summer.

Attracts pollinators to the garden.

Spring Blossom Valley