Spirea is a woody flowering shrub that is either spring blooming or summer blooming. This plant can grow very large and has a deep root system anywhere from 12 to 30 inches deep. Spirea is heat and drought tolerant and thrives in moist but not soggy soil.
When watering your Spirea, it is best to water it less frequently to encourage healthy roots. When it is time to water, give the plant a deep slow watering. Established Spirea can survive with less water, but will grow best with evenly moist soil. Underwatering a Spirea shrub is much better than overwatering it.
How to Tell if Spirea Are Under Watered or Over Watered
Too little as well as too much watering can stress out plants, and Spirea is no exception. Despite being heat and drought tolerant, Spirea grow the best in consistently moist soil. If you notice that your shrub’s leaves are curling or wilting, or the stems are drooping, then your Spirea needs a good soaking.
On the other hand, too much watering can hurt a Spirea as well. A Spirea that is watered too much can have leaves that are yellowing resulting in the possibility of the entire stem dying off. You may be thinking, “Spirea likes moist soil, but now I am overwatering it….” You most likely are not overwatering. The problem could be that the soil is not draining well.
How Often To Water Spirea
Newly planted Spireas should be watered well until established. Soak the entire area well right after planting. After that, weekly watering is suggested unless there is rainfall. A deep soaking around the root ball is best each time the shrub is watered. Allow the soil to dry out in between watering.
Once established, this heat and drought tolerant Spirea will only need supplemental water during times of prolonged dry spells. Regular rainfall of an inch per week should be enough to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Spirea growing in containers will require a bit more attention when it comes to watering. Container grown shrubs will dry out a lot faster than garden shrubs. Typically, when the top 2 inches of soil is dry to the touch, then the shrub will need water. It is best to slowly water at the base of the plant until the water drains out of the bottom of the container.
Best Time To Water Spirea
When watering your Spirea, it is best to do it during the morning hours. This allows the water to absorb and evaporate throughout the day. During the spring and summer months, an inch of water either from rainfall or manual watering is all this shrub requires.
When fall arrives, cut back the watering. This will prevent a sudden growth spurt when the shrub is preparing for the cold weather season. During the winter months, only water to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
How to Water Spirea?
Step 1 - Water during the morning hours
Water in the morning when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is not as hot. This allows the water to evaporate throughout the day.
Step 2 - Water deeply
It is better to give a Spirea shrub a slow deep drink to allow the moisture to reach the root system.
Step 3 - Water at the base of the shrub.
It is best to water around the base of the root ball avoiding the foliage.
Step 4 - Water weekly.
Give the plant an inch of water weekly unless the shrub is getting regular rainfall. Avoid overwatering.
Spirea Watering Tips
- Water deeply to reach the root system.
- Spireas like moist, well drained soil.
- One inch or rainfall or water each week is best.
- Avoid overwatering.
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Author Chris Link - Published 10-19-2021 |