Three-lobed Spirea
spiraea trilobata
Also known as: ["Three-lobed Meadowsweet","Trilobate Spirea"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with three-lobed leaves and clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers in late spring to early summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Spiraea |
| Botanical Name: | Spiraea trilobata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: border plantings, mixed shrub beds, or as a specimen plant in garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s buds.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually to prevent scorching; place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf burn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid intense midday sun in summer; rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth if necessary in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soils with organic matter; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8, tolerating temperatures from -30°F to 80°F. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced NPK ratio (e.g., 10-10-10).
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) are ideal.
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture; check for root development after 3–4 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded branches and removal of weak or crossing stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood. Pruning also promotes better flowering.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Spiraea trilobata is typically grown in the ground, but container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand to improve drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; buds may fail to open in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose a balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after application; avoid late-season fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply a light dose again after the first bloom cycle. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSpiraea trilobata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSpiraea trilobata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSpiraea trilobata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Spiraea trilobata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Q: Is Spiraea trilobata toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Spiraea trilobata be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
