Willowleaf Meadowsweet
spiraea salicifolia
Also known as: ["Meadowsweet","Spiraea alba"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia, known for its feathery plumes of pinkish-white flowers in summer and willow-like leaves.
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 salicifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden border, mixed shrubbery, or near water features
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining to moist but not waterlogged.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and rejuvenation needs.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in shaded areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun for best flowering; partial shade acceptable; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C).
Protect from late frosts; water more in heat; mulch in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize once a year in spring; water before and after fertilizing; avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or division in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, partial shade.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, peat-perlite mix, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Remove old wood, thin crowded branches, shape the plant to allow air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it is not too large to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Use well-draining soil, ensure good drainage holes, prune roots if pot-bound, water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is an outdoor shrub. If container-grown, repot every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; prune roots if needed; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Increase watering during droughts or high heat.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, delayed flowering in cold springs, wilting in extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop, growth may slow or stop, buds may not open in late frosts.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter, protect from harsh winds, avoid late-season pruning.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade if possible, increase watering, use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after application; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowers.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSpiraea salicifolia is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of the plant does not typically cause adverse effects or physiological harm.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSpiraea salicifolia is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the plant does not typically cause adverse effects or physiological harm.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSpiraea salicifolia 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 salicifolia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Q: Is Spiraea salicifolia toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much sunlight does Spiraea salicifolia need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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