Overview
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Japan.
About
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' (Tosa spiraea) is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family, known for its bushy habit. It typically grows to a height and spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres over 10 to 20 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations. 'Snowmound' offers seasonal interest in spring and summer and requires low maintenance.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spiraea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; adaptable to a range of soil types; requires moist but well-drained soil; low maintenance.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
- Propagation
- Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; adaptable to a range of soil types; requires moist but well-drained soil; low maintenance.
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' need?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
How big does Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' grow?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' hardy in the UK?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' 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 nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter.
More in the Spiraea genus
- Spiraeaspiraea
- Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic'Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBRJapanese Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Zen'Spirit Gold ('Minspiz07')Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea prunifolia f. simplicifloraBridalwreath Spirea
- Spiraea densiflora var. splendensDense-flowered Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Little Flame ('Minspil04'PBR)Japanese Spiraea
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