Dolchica Spirea
Spiraea x bumalda 'Dolchica'
Graceful, dwarf mounds hold showy purplish-pink flower clusters, which are great for cut flowers. New growth has intriguing bronze coloring. Excellent in mass plantings or as a single specimen. Deciduous.
| Synonym: | Spiraea dolchica |
| Botanical Pronunciation: | spy-REE-a dol-CHEE-ka |
| Key feature: | Summer Flowering |
| Plant type: | Shrub |
| Garden style: | Cottage |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Deciduous |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 5 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full sun |
| Sunset climate zones: | 2 - 10, 14 - 21 |
| Water Needs: | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate grower to 3 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Flower attributes: | Flowers for Cutting, Showy Flowers |
| Special features: | Attracts Butterflies, Dwarf Plant, Easy Care |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Firescaping/Fire Wise |
| Flower color: | Pink |
| Blooms: | Summer |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 7120 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a formal appearance, shear annually after flowering. Pruning time: summer after flowering.
Design Ideas
The unique visuals of this spiraea are a stand out in the mixed shrub border. Spot into foundation planting and along fence lines. Low enough to fit into perennial compositions that need interest and texture.
Companion Plants
Combine this summer bloomer with others such as the lilac colors of Petite IndigoTM Dwarf Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii nanhoensis 'Mongo'). Perennial companions include the yellows of Moonbeam Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'), and, in milder regions, the small gray-blue tufts of Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca cinerea 'Elijah Blue') makes a good edger.
History
This large group fit into the Rose Family, named from the Greek for wreath due to its use in Europe in bridal wreaths and bouquets. The bumalda clan are descendants of a cross between S. albiflora from Japan with its snow white flowers, and S. japonica with a larger range over much of Asia. The original pink hybrid was introduced around 1890 by Anthony Waterer at Knap Hill Nurseries, England.
Lore
Because spiraea blooms with snow white flowers in the wedding season, it was widely used in Europe and America in bridal floral decor, most notably wreaths at country weddings.
Graceful, dwarf mounds hold showy purplish-pink flower clusters, which are great for cut flowers. New growth has intriguing bronze coloring. Excellent in mass plantings or as a single specimen. Deciduous.
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a formal appearance, shear annually after flowering. Pruning time: summer after flowering.
Design Ideas
The unique visuals of this spiraea are a stand out in the mixed shrub border. Spot into foundation planting and along fence lines. Low enough to fit into perennial compositions that need interest and texture.
Companion Plants
Combine this summer bloomer with others such as the lilac colors of Petite IndigoTM Dwarf Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii nanhoensis 'Mongo'). Perennial companions include the yellows of Moonbeam Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'), and, in milder regions, the small gray-blue tufts of Elijah Blue Fescue (Festuca cinerea 'Elijah Blue') makes a good edger.
History
This large group fit into the Rose Family, named from the Greek for wreath due to its use in Europe in bridal wreaths and bouquets. The bumalda clan are descendants of a cross between S. albiflora from Japan with its snow white flowers, and S. japonica with a larger range over much of Asia. The original pink hybrid was introduced around 1890 by Anthony Waterer at Knap Hill Nurseries, England.
Lore
Because spiraea blooms with snow white flowers in the wedding season, it was widely used in Europe and America in bridal floral decor, most notably wreaths at country weddings.
| Synonym: | Spiraea dolchica |
| Botanical Pronunciation: | spy-REE-a dol-CHEE-ka |
| Key feature: | Summer Flowering |
| Plant type: | Shrub |
| Garden style: | Cottage |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Deciduous |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 5 - 9 |
| Light needs: | Full sun |
| Sunset climate zones: | 2 - 10, 14 - 21 |
| Water Needs: | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate grower to 3 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Flower attributes: | Flowers for Cutting, Showy Flowers |
| Special features: | Attracts Butterflies, Dwarf Plant, Easy Care |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Firescaping/Fire Wise |
| Flower color: | Pink |
| Blooms: | Summer |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 7120 |
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Monrovia soil products
The best fertilizer to use with this plant is All-Purpose Plant Food.view soil products