White Meadowsweet
spiraea alba
Also known as: ["Meadowsweet","White Spirea"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its clusters of small, white flowers and attractive foliage.
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 alba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plants for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
moist, well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils without amendments; ensure good aeration; test pH before planting.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; water thoroughly after application; skip fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; division in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; cut back to healthy buds or lateral branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, pruning saw for large branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead or crossing branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with improved drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; check for root-bound issues; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage.
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.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; may experience dieback in severe cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering; reduced vigor in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSpiraea alba is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant health risk to felines when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSpiraea alba is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSpiraea alba is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Spiraea alba attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Q: Is Spiraea alba toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much maintenance does Spiraea alba require?
A: It requires moderate maintenance, including occasional pruning and watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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