Japanese Spirea Spiraea japonica 'Bumalda'
ABOUT
The Japanese spirea 'Bumalda' is a deciduous shrub known for its appealing aesthetic and seasonal changes. It features small, lance-shaped leaves that emerge with a reddish hue in spring, transitioning to a bright green as they mature. The dense foliage provides a lush background for the eye-catching clusters of tiny pink flowers, which bloom in umbrella-shaped clusters that can appear in profusion, creating a frothy, cloud-like effect. These flowers can attract butterflies and other pollinators during their blooming season. As autumn arrives, the leaves may transform again, presenting a display of fall colors that can range from yellow to orange or even red, adding another layer of visual interest. The plant's overall form is mounded and it has a compact, bushy appearance, with branches that can arch gracefully. This shrub is often appreciated for its hardiness and its role in garden designs where it may be used for borders, hedges, or as a decorative stand-alone specimen.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet
Common names
Spiraea x bumalda, Spiraea japonica var. alpina, Spiraea japonica var. bumalda, Spiraea japonica 'Albiflora', Spiraea japonica 'Crispa', Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame', Spiraea japonica 'Golden Princess', Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess', Spiraea japonica 'Manon'.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese spirea is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized reporting of poisoning symptoms associated with ingesting any part of the Japanese spirea, and it is generally considered safe around humans. However, as with any plant, it is always wise to avoid ingesting plant material that is not specifically meant for consumption, as individuals may have allergies or other reactions.
To pets
Japanese spirea is generally not considered toxic to pets. There have been no significant reports of poisoning in pets, such as dogs or cats, from ingesting this plant. Therefore, the Japanese spirea is not expected to cause harm to pets if they occasionally nibble on the leaves or stems. However, ingestion of large amounts of any non-food plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in pets, so it is still a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Produces showy clusters of pink flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the local ecology.
- Durable: Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and can endure some urban pollution.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with flowers in spring and summer, and foliage that may change color in the fall.
- Compact Size: Generally remains small to medium in size, making it appropriate for use in smaller gardens or as border plants.
- Fast Growing: Can grow quickly, allowing for rapid establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
- Pruning Tolerance: Responds well to pruning, which can stimulate growth and maintain desired shape.
- Versatile: Can be used in a variety of landscape designs, from formal hedges to naturalized plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Japanese meadowsweet can be used in cut flower arrangements for its clusters of pink flowers, adding a natural and soft touch to floral decorations.
- The dense growth habit of Japanese meadowsweet allows it to be used as a privacy screen or living fence when planted in a row or hedge formation.
- Due to its tolerance for pruning, Japanese meadowsweet can be shaped into topiary forms, making it a versatile addition to formal garden settings.
- The plant's compact size makes it suitable for container gardening, allowing it to be a part of urban balconies or patios where space is limited.
- Japanese meadowsweet's vibrant fall foliage, with leaves turning yellow or reddish in autumn, can be used to create seasonal garden interest.
- With its robust root system, Japanese meadowsweet can be employed to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion in landscape projects.
- The blossoms of Japanese meadowsweet can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding soft pink to lilac colors depending on the mordant used.
- As a nectar-rich plant, Japanese meadowsweet can serve as a valuable addition to butterfly gardens, attracting various species of butterflies and other pollinators.
- In craft projects, the dried flowers of Japanese meadowsweet can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle, natural fragrance.
- Japanese meadowsweet can be planted to complement water features, such as ponds or streams, as it enjoys the moist environment and adds to the aesthetic of the water garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese spirea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese spirea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Spiraea japonica 'Bumalda', commonly known as Japanese meadowsweet, can thrive in a variety of soil types, symbolizing the ability to adapt to different life circumstances.
- Hardiness: As a plant that can withstand cold climates, Japanese meadowsweet represents strength and the resilience to overcome challenges.
- Grace: With its graceful arching branches and clusters of small pink flowers, it symbolizes elegance and beauty that is not just external but also indicative of inner grace.
- Joy and Celebration: The bright and cheerful blossoms of Japanese meadowsweet are often associated with happiness and festivities, making them a symbol of joyful occasions.
WaterThe Japanese Spirea, commonly known as 'Bumalda', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. During the growing season, this typically means watering once a week, but frequency should be adjusted according to weather conditions; less during rainy periods or cool weather, and more during hot, dry spells. When watering, aim to provide deep, infrequent waterings to encourage strong root development rather than shallow, frequent waterings. An established plant might require roughly 1 gallon of water at each watering session, but this will vary widely based on climate, soil, and plant size.
LightThe Japanese Spirea prefers full sun to partial shade environments. For optimal growth, ensuring the plant receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. If possible, plant it in a spot that gets morning sun and is shaded from the more intense afternoon heat, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe Japanese Spirea is hardy and adaptable, with an ideal temperature range of 65°F to 75°F. It can usually tolerate cold winter temperatures down to about -20°F and summer heat as long as the thermometer doesn't regularly top 90°F. Avoid planting it in areas where temperatures frequently fall below its cold hardiness zone or rise above its heat tolerance.
PruningPruning Japanese Spirea, or 'Bumalda', encourages healthy growth and maintains its attractive shape. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can be done throughout the growing season to promote additional blooms. It is also beneficial to cut back about a third of the oldest stems annually to encourage rejuvenation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' prefers loamy soil with good drainage and moderate fertility. The soil pH suitable for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A mix consisting of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite would provide a good growing medium, ensuring proper drainage and nutrient availability.
RepottingJapanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' is a garden shrub and doesn't typically require repotting as it is not often grown in containers. It is usually planted directly into the landscape. If you do grow it in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when roots become crowded could be necessary.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Spirea 'Golden Princess' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It grows well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing indoors is not ideal; needs ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part-shade with good soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleJapanese meadowsweet 'Bumalda' begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in spring when soil temperatures rise and conditions are favorable. The seedling stage is characterized by initial leaf production as the plant establishes itself. It then enters a vegetative stage, where it focuses on growing leaves and stems, expanding both above and below ground with foliage and root development. Following the vegetative stage, the plant reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed capsules, which mature and eventually release seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. Following seed dispersal, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Summer
The Japanese spiraea, or Spiraea japonica 'Bumalda', is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible. To do this, you need to cut a healthy, non-flowering shoot of about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters) just below a leaf node, strip the leaves from the lower half, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the plastic can be removed and the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting outside.
