February's Flower of the Month
Reeves’ Spirea
Spiraea cantoniensis
Reeves’ spirea is a deciduous to semievergreen shrub with graceful, arching branches. In spring, masses of tiny, snow white flowers are borne in two-inch-wide clusters along the stems. In full bloom, the branches cascade and droop like a fountain. For the remainder of the year, the shrubs are nondescript.
Culture Plant in full sun for best flowering. Prune immediately after flowering, if necessary, to control growth and to make the plants more compact. Remove individual branches back to the ground to maintain the plant’s arching form. Reeves’ spirea is not particular about soil, but it should be well drained. Once established, it tolerates neglect and is drought tolerant.
Comments Use Reeves’ spirea as a specimen plant, in a mixed border, or in a mass planting. Flowers display best when planted in front of other green plants or a dark background. Give it plenty of room to develop and show its naturally graceful form by allowing about eight feet of growing room. Pests and diseases are not a major concern although plants can become infested with aphids, leaf rollers, or scale insects. A popular cultivars is ‘Lanceata’, or ‘Double Reeves’ Spirea.
Eighty to 100 species of Spiraea exist. Vanhouttei spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) is frequently grown in the South. Japanese spirea (S. japonica) is usually smaller and has pinkish flowers and variously colored leaves. Spirea prunifolia can be found on abandoned home sites where it has bloomed for years. In addition to the species, many hybrids (crosses) are available.
Say: spy REE ah kan-toe-nee-EN-sis
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9
Salt tolerance: Slight to none
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Size: 4-8 ft. tall/4-8 ft. wide
Other common names: Spirea, bridal wreath
Origin: China and Japan
Relatives: Pyracantha coccinea (firethorn); Raphiolepis indica (Indian hawthorn)
Propagation: Cuttings of green tip shoots in late spring and summer; seeds; division