Spierstrauch ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips (Spiraea)

Plant the sparrow correctly

The optimal time window for planting is open from August to October. Alternatively, put the sparrow in the thawed soil in spring. While the soil is meticulously weeded and raked, soak the root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise. Dig a spacious planting pit to enrich the excavation with compost and horn shavings. (€ 6.39 at Amazon *) Then pot the young spar and plant it in the middle. The previous planting depth should be preserved as far as possible. The substrate is solidified with the hands in order to spread a layer of foliage and water it. Finally, the spar receives a plant cut. To do this, shorten all shoots by half to two thirds.

Care tips

If properly planted, a sparrow seldom requires gardening attention. So that the opulent abundance of flowers, the dense foliage and the bewitching scent unfold, the following cultivation is important:

Water the wood regularly when it is dry
After starting fertilization in spring, mulch every 2-3 weeks with compost, leaves or grass clippings
Potted plants from April to August spoil with liquid fertilizer
Cut back the signs of spring immediately after flowering
Cut summer bloomers in late winter or early spring
Winter protection in the year of planting and for spars in the tub is advisable

If you are planting a marine shrub in spring, the focus will be on an adequate water supply during the summer. In contrast to planting in rainy autumn, during the dry season you cannot avoid a regular walk to your pupil with the watering can in hand.

Which location is suitable?

One of its outstanding attributes is the flexible attitude towards the local conditions. The spar bush thrives splendidly in sunny to partially shaded locations and won't let you down even in light shade. The ornamental wood spreads its roots in any normal garden soil that may be calcareous. The gem does not want to be bothered by waterlogging.

The correct planting distance

In order to skillfully measure the ideal planting distance, please take a look at the expected height and width. Since the genus has dainty dwarf varieties through to mighty flower towers, we have compiled recommended distances for popular species for you:

Magnificent spar: 100-150 cm planting distance
Japanese shrub spar: 50-60 cm planting distance
Dwarf spar: 30-40 cm planting distance

When measuring the planting distance, please bear in mind that the majority of sparrow species grow almost as wide as they are tall. In addition, numerous trees and shrubs show a rapid growth rate of up to 50 cm annually, so that apparent gaps are filled within a short time.

When is the flowering time?

Cleverly combined, the lavish aquarium flowers adorn the garden and balcony from spring to autumn. For your orientation we have listed the flowering times of popular species for you:

Bridal spears and spring spears: flowering time from April to May
Prachtspiere: flowering time from mid-May to late June
Japanese shrub spar: flowering period from June to July
Red summer sparrows: flowering from July to September

Cut the sparrow correctly

Equipped with a robust cut tolerance, you can easily keep the growth of a sparrow under control with the secateurs. The flowering time defines the ideal time. Spring-flowering species should be cut back immediately after flowering, while the summer flowering plants should be cut back in late winter. Don't be afraid to cut short shoots that are too long during the growing season. The cut itself follows this sequence:

Alternatively, shorten the shoots by up to two thirds
Thoroughly thin out the entire bush
Cut off inward and rubbing shoots
For the vase decoration, cut completely blossomed branches

Place the scissors 1-2 mm above an outward-facing knot. Such a knot can be seen as a slight bump under the bark. This incision encourages the plant to branch out lively at this point for a bushy habit.

Water the sparrow

Although the sparrow tolerates short-term drought, even soil moisture promotes growth and flowering. If the surface of the earth dries up, water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening. Overhead irrigation should be avoided in order not to impair the flowers. If you cultivate the wonderfully fragrant beauty of flowers in the tub, check the moisture content of the substrate with a thumb test every few days. If the top 2-3 cm feel dry, pour directly onto the root disc.

Fertilize the sparrow properly

A start fertilization in March / April gets the growth going. Work some compost with horn shavings into the surface of the soil. Alternatively, a nitrogen-emphasized mineral-organic fertilizer can be used. As a result, the frugal sparrow turns out to be grateful for a mulch layer of leaves, lawn clippings or compost. For a spar in the bucket, we recommend regular use of liquid fertilizer from April to August.

Overwinter

The spar shrub is completely hardy and does not require any provisions for wintering. Only in the year of planting do we recommend spreading a layer of leaves on the root disc, as the frost resistance has not yet fully developed. The following measures are useful for specimens in the bucket:

In autumn, wrap the planter with bubble wrap, jute or fleece
Slide a block of wood or a styrofoam plate (€ 25.90 at Amazon *) underneath
Cover the substrate with straw, autumn leaves or coniferous branches

Where there is enough space available, a spar in a pot moves to frost-free winter quarters. Water the plant every now and then to prevent the root ball from drying out completely.

Propagate sparrow

The Spierstrauch continues the long list of its convincing advantages in terms of reproduction. We have compiled proven methods for you here:

In early summer, pull the sinker to the ground, dig in the middle part until an independent root system is created
Cut off head cuttings during the summer and cultivate them in pots with poor substrate
Cut cuttings in September, plant them in the ground and let them take root
Sow the seeds behind glass or directly in the bed

Is it poisonous?

The enchanting sparaceous shrub deserves a special place in every family garden. Since the opulent ornamental wood is not poisonous, it does not pose any health risk. Good-naturedly forgiving many a beginner's mistake, the Spiere is the ideal candidate to awaken the joy of hobby gardening in interested children.

Nice varieties

Brautspiere: Fantastically beautiful spring blooming flowers in bright white and impressive presence; Height of growth 150-200 cm
Triumphans: The bright red piston flowers adorn the wood from June to July; Height of growth 150-200 cm
Anthony Waterer: Breathtaking summer spears with ruby red umbels until September; Height of growth 60-100 cm
Albiflora: Delicate dwarf spar that wraps itself in white flower clouds from July to September; Height 50-70 cm
Golden Princess: Wonderful play of colors thanks to pink summer flowers above golden-yellow leaves; Height 40-50 cm