Spiraea
– Meadow Sweet
Hardy Perennial.
Eighteen inches to five feet.
Flowers rose or creamy white, June to August.
A beautiful order, related to the wild Meadowsweet
of British brooks and riversides.
The Spiraeas are by nature half aquatic, and prefer
a decidedly moist root-run; nevertheless they
will grow well enough in any garden mould that
is not arid or too sandy.
They may be planted between October and March,
avoiding warm aspects, such as under a south wall.
The taller growers require plenty of room in large
borders.
Spiraea aruncus (Goat’s Beard) grows to a height
of five feet or more; the flowers are creamy white
in large drooping plumes, in June and July.
Spiraea Chinensis: A comparatively new and most desirable
introduction, resembling the last, but the plumes
are of a very lovely shade of light rose. It flowers
in July and August.
Spiraea filipendula: The plant is fern-leaved, about
two feet high; the flowers double, in creamy panicles.
June to September.
Spiraea palmata: Two feet; resembles the wild Meadowsweet,
but the flower-heads are reddish pink or crimson.
There is also a white form, Spiraea palmata alba.
Spiraea Japonica, also known as Astilbe and Hoteia,
is usually forced in pots for early spring flowering
in the conservatory. It is hardy, but does not
repay outdoor culture like most of the above.
See Also : Astilbe
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