Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR (Japanese Spiraea) — Bushy, Suckering

Overview

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR is a bushy, suckering shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include mixed borders, shrub borders, cottage gardens, informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR is a deciduous shrub in the rose family that carries a long flowering display from May to July. It is multi-stemmed and suckering, forming spreading clumps at the base. It grows well in full sun or partial shade on a wide range of soils and prefers moist but well-drained conditions. The plant is rated H6, meaning it is very hardy in UK gardens.

About the genus

Spiraea, sometimes spelled spirea in common names, and commonly known as meadowsweets or steeplebushes, is a genus of about 80 to 100 species of shrubs in the family Rosaceae. They are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in eastern Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Spiraea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spiraea

In the garden

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae with a multi-stemmed, suckering habit that produces flowers from May to July. It suits gardens that want a seasonal display across early to mid-summer and fits readily into mixed shrub plantings or more informal arrangements. Plant in a position receiving full sun or partial shade; a south-, west- or east-facing site will all do well. It tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand and accepts acid, neutral or alkaline soils provided they are moist but well drained rather than waterlogged. The cultivar manages both exposed and sheltered locations and is rated H6, which is considered very hardy for UK conditions. Use 'Odessa'PBR in mixed borders, shrub borders, cottage or wildlife gardens, and flower beds where a spreading clump can be allowed to develop. The suckering habit makes it effective for creating informal drifts or softening the edge of a larger perennial bed, and occasional removal of older stems will keep the clump vigorous while preserving its summer flowering display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Spiraea

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy, Suckering
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Mixed borders, Shrub borders, Cottage gardens, Informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR

Propagation: Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR?

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR need?

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR hardy in the UK?

Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBR?

Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed.

More in the Spiraea genus

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