Geranium_gem's Garden
zz Spiraea
Genus: Spiraea.
Species: Spiraea douglasii.
Either Spiraea douglasii or Spiraea x billardii 'Triumphans' - a hybrid between S. douglasii and S. salicifolia (or S. alba?).
Spiraea douglasii (Hardhack Steeple bush):
Hardy, fast-growing, deciduous shrub forming clusters of rose flowers in late summer.
Height & spread 2.5m after 10-20 years.
Preferred conditions: Moist but well-drained soil, full sun/partial shade.
Pruning: Will respond well to hard pruning after flowering to restore shape. RHS guidance: Pruning group 2. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering.
Propagation methods: Division (divide and re-plant clumps in Autumn or early Spring), softwood cuttings (April to July).
Suckering habit.
Spiraea x billardii 'Triumphans':
A multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth (tends to sucker and form colonies). Spike-shaped "violet-pink"/"carmine-pink" flowers throughout the summer. Serrated, pointy leaves provide dark green foliage throughout the summer season.
Height 5-6 ft, spread 3-4 ft. Can get a bit leggy.
Pruning: Prune off flower heads after blooming to keep it looking neat. Best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. OR Spiraea billardi should receive a hard pruning regime in early spring - the pruning can be quite severe, or simply back to a main framework of stems.
Good for butterflies.
