544 



GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 



Spiraeas, Their Propagation and Cultivation 



DR. E. BADE 



ALTHOUGH the species and varieties of Spiraa are 

 numerous, few of them can be used as individual 

 plants, the majority of them being best adapted for 

 group planting. If it is desired, one can select Spiraeas 

 which will flower from April until November, and, as 

 they require but little care, are among the best liked orna- 

 mental bushes. This not only because of their showy 

 flowers, but also because their foliage makes them very 

 attractive. 



The medium sized Spiraa Thunbcrgii develops dainty 

 flowers during the months of April and May. In the 

 Fall the foliage turns orange and red and thus, for the 

 second time, is very attractive. 



The two varieties of Spircca salicifolia are var. latifolia. 

 and var. alba. The species chiefly occurs in the low, some- 

 what swampy bottoms of Asia. The flowers, which are 



Spiraa thinibergii 



rose-colored, open during July and August. This plant 

 often escapes from cultivation. 



Spircva clianucdrifolia, and Spiraa Hcxuosa reach a 

 height seldom exceeding 5 feet. Both develop white 

 umbeled flowers which appear during May and June. 

 Spiraa media- and the small Spiraa corymbosa flower 

 somewhat later. The latter produces large racemose white 

 flowers. The flowers of the Spiraa bclla are tinged 

 with red, and this species flowers a number of times 

 during the Summer. It should be placed in a protected 

 spot. During the Winter it is advisable to cover the 

 plant. The young individuals are especially delicate and 

 therefore should be adequately protected. 



Rose-colored umbellate flowers are developed during 

 the Summer by Spiraa japonica. It flowers far into the 

 Fall. Dark red flowers are produced by var. atrosan- 

 };uinea and var. pnnicca. The large leaved var. macro- 

 pliyila also produces red flowers. 



A narrow bush seldom more than 3 feet high is 



Spiraa tomcntosa. The rose-colored flowers are open 

 until Fall. The middle flowers open first, and the others 

 begin to open when the first begin to fade. This species 

 is best adapted for hedges. Spiraa canesccns covers its 



Spircra bniiialda 



drooping twigs thickly with white flowers. Still better 

 for this purpose is the var. myrtcfoUa. Both require a 

 more or less protected spot for their best development. 



i>pUiCa van liouttci 



The same place should also be given to the Japanese 

 Spiraa albitlora. Placed in such a spot this species will 

 bloom continuously from July. This tiny species is also 

 well adapted for border plants. From a dark to a 



