15 of the best varieties of spirits

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The ornamental spirea shrub often attracts the attention of landscape designers. They appreciate this plant for its lush flowering, spectacular color of foliage and inflorescences. Such unpretentious and hardy bushes are suitable for any type of landscaping. In shape, spireas are weeping, pyramidal, cascade-shaped, standing straight or creeping on the ground.

Spire varieties are also distinguished by the shape and color of the foliage. With the arrival of autumn, it often turns yellow, orange or red. Some spireas bloom in spring, others in summer. It is with this characteristic that they are divided into 2 main groups. Each of them has its own characteristics. In this review, we'll take a look at the best spirits that bloom in spring and summer.

Rating of the best varieties of spirits

Nomination	a place	Variety	rating
The best varieties of spring flowering spirits	1	gray Grefsheim	5.0
	2	Arguta	4.9
	3	Wangutta	4.8
	4	Thunberg	4.7
	5	nippon snowmound	4.6
	6	oak-leaved	4.5
	7	crenate	4.4
The best varieties of summer flowering spirits	1	japanese little princess	5.0
	2	Japanese Macrophylla	4.9
	3	Japanese Goldflame	4.8
	4	japanese froebelia	4.7
	5	Billard	4.6
	6	Japanese Golden Carpet	4.5
	7	Japanese Jenpei (Shirobana)	4.4
	8	japanese crisp	4.3

The best varieties of spring flowering spirits

Spireas blooming in spring usually do it amicably on the shoots of the previous year. And after they fade, they are cut off.

Spirea gray Grefsheim

Rating: 5.0

A beautifully flowering deciduous shrub. It is easily recognizable by its numerous beautifully drooping arched branches. This variety is very unpretentious. It blooms continuously every year. The branched part of the bush is spreading. The diameter and height of the bush reaches 1.5–2 m. This variety of spirea is often used in single plantings. And also it coexists well with other plants. It forms excellent hedges.

This variety blooms in May-June. The flower size is 1cm. They are snow-white, located on developed pedicels of the same length. The shoots are very densely covered with them. When dissolved, the leaves are dark green, and with the arrival of autumn, they turn yellow. On the underside of the leaves, down is observed. Spirea gray Grefsheim is undemanding to the soil, grows on any cultivated garden soils.

According to reviews, this variety has good frost resistance, but in severe winters, young shoots sometimes freeze. The plant loves the sun and reacts normally to drought. The bushes are easy to trim. The flowering period is about 45 days. This variety is hybrid and therefore does not propagate with seeds. The life span of the plant reaches 30 years. Bushes can suffer from spider mites.

Advantages

• flowering period is about 45 days;
• the plant is unpretentious;
• grows on almost any soil;
• pruning is going through quite well;
• the bush lives up to 30 years;
• good winter hardiness.

disadvantages

• in severe frosts, new shoots sometimes freeze slightly.

Spirea Arguta

Rating: 4.9

An ornamental hybrid shrub obtained by crossing the Thunberg spirea and multifloral. The stems of an adult plant can reach 2 m. The branches can spread up to 3 m in diameter. The dense curtain of the crowns of this spirea variety makes an excellent hedge. This plant also looks impressive in single plantings. The bushes of this spirea are harmoniously combined with conifers.

Leaves are narrow, lanceolate with numerous sharp notches. Their color is dark green. Argut's spirea branches are thin, arcuate. In the last week of May, white flowers appear on them. They usually have 5 petals and a bud diameter of 8 mm. The flowers are fluffy due to the large number of stamens. During lush flowering, the leaves are almost invisible. And the branches sag under the weight of the inflorescences.

In the reviews, gardeners note that the bush of this variety of spirea develops slowly. For a year, the size of the stems increases by only 10-20 cm. Yet the bush needs pruning. Spirea Arguta grows on any soil. But for better development of the bush, it is advisable to add fertilizer to the pit when planting. The shrub is unpretentious, withstands temperatures down to -40 ° C degrees. Has good resistance to major diseases.

Advantages

• beautiful bush;
• graceful white flowers;
• tolerates a drop in temperature well;
• undemanding to the composition of the soil;
• good immunity against diseases.

disadvantages

• does not propagate by seeds.

Spirea Wangutta

Rating: 4.8

This variety of spirea blooms profusely and looks very beautiful. The height of the shrub and its diameter can reach 2 m. The branched part of the plant is spreading, the stems are curved, arched, forming cascades. It is actively used for single landings. In groups with other plants, it also looks very good. For a year, the shrub grows 20 cm in height and width. He begins to bloom from 2 years of age.

The shape of the leaves resembles an egg. From above they have a dark green color, and from below they have a bluish bloom. In the fall, they turn reddish purple and remain so until falling off in early October. The flowers reach 1 cm in diameter. They have a snow-white color and form inflorescences – umbrellas. Covering the entire bush tightly, they create the appearance of an avalanche. Flowering begins in the first weeks of June.

Landscape designers and gardeners speak very well of this variety. They like that this shrub is very easy to care for. This variety, unlike most spirits, even tolerates calcareous soils. Flowering continues for 4 weeks. The plant feels great in direct sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. If the ends of the shoots freeze during the winter, then in the spring they are removed.

Advantages

• abundant flowering;
• cascading crowns;
• can even grow on calcareous soils;
• blooms for 4 weeks;
• unpretentious shrub to care for.

disadvantages

• in severe frosts, the ends of the shoots are damaged.

Spirea Thunberg

Rating: 4.7

The shrub looks very graceful and attractive. Light brown shoots rush up and then fall to the ground. Branches and leaves at the top form a dome. The height and width of the plant reaches 1.5-1.8 m. Landscape designers often use this variety in their compositions. Spirea Thunberg makes an excellent hedge that absorbs dust and smog from the roadways.

The leaves are linear (length – 2.5 cm, width – 0.6 cm), have small denticles along the edge. Their color is pale green, close to yellow. By autumn, they acquire a golden color and do not crumble for a long time. The buds are pink and the flowers are white. They have 5 petals and visually resemble stars. They form many inflorescences, reaching a diameter of 2-3 cm. They usually bloom in early spring.

According to reviews, the Spirea Thunberg bush has an average growth rate. But if you plant this plant in the shade, then the correct shape of the crown, resembling a ball, will be lost. It will become lopsided. For the harmonious development of the shrub, the lighting must be uniform. Spirea Thunberg is able to withstand temperatures as low as -20 ° C. But with more severe frosts, the ends of the shoots may freeze.

Advantages

• the bush has graceful leaves;
• beautiful, abundant flowering;
• medium resistance to cold;
• great for hedges.

disadvantages

• when planted in the shade, it loses its correct crown shape.

Spirea Nippon Snowmound

Rating: 4.6

Of the spirales blooming in spring, this one is one of the most spectacular. It is a wide spreading shrub. Its height can be 1.5-2 m. The crown reaches 2-3 m in diameter. Its branches are curved, arched. For a year, the shrub grows by 25 cm. This variety of spirea looks great in combination with other crops on lawns, forest edges, as well as along park roads.

Leaves (2-4 cm long) are oval in shape. Their color changes from dark green to red in the fall. White flowers have some yellowness. They are quite large, and their inflorescences form scutes. They are strewn with shoots of the second year. Flowering begins in early summer and lasts 2-3 weeks. At the end of this period, it is recommended to carry out a timely haircut.

Gardeners in the reviews note that the Spirea Nippon Snowmound is resistant to frost, disease, and urban conditions. It has no special requirements for the components of the soil. Spirea of ​​this variety propagates by seeds or special parts of the plant used for vegetation. Due to its abundant flowering and beautiful thin branches, it attracts attention both near and at a distance.

Advantages

• bushes look attractive and spectacular;
• flowering lasts 3-4 weeks;
• loves direct sunlight;
• tolerates a drop in temperature well;
• lends itself well to pruning.

disadvantages

• responds poorly to stagnant moisture.

Spirea oak-leaved

Rating: 4.5

The homeland of this variety is considered to be the middle zone of Russia. It is a fairly tall (up to 2 m) shrub. It has long stems, which are covered with a large number of inflorescences, from which they bend beautifully to the ground. The collection of branches and leaves at the top of the plant forms a rounded shape. This variety is actively used to form hedges. Landscape designers appreciate this spirea for its lush bloom and graceful foliage.

The leaves have an oblong ovoid shape. They are spiky with large denticles along the edge. Their length reaches 5 cm. From above they are green, and from below they are gray-gray. In autumn, the foliage acquires an even, yellow color. The flowers are white, reaching a diameter of 1.5 cm. They form half-spherical inflorescences. This variety begins to bloom in early May. This process lasts a little over three weeks.

According to reviews, this plant tolerates midwinter well. But in severe frosts, it needs wrapping. The shrub develops more harmoniously on rich soils than on poor ones. It grows well in open sunlight or in partial shade. After pruning, the crown recovers quite quickly. The plant can be attacked by common pests of garden crops: aphids, leaf rollers, spider mites.

Advantages

• lush bloom;
• graceful foliage;
• after pruning, quickly restores the crown;
• blooms for 25 days.

disadvantages

• in severe frosts, it requires wrapping.

Spirea crenate

Rating: 4.4

This variety of spirits has a rather rare distribution. It is a shrub whose height is usually about 1 m. The upper part of the bush is branched, loose, resembling a wide oval or cone in shape. The branches grow straight. They are angularly ribbed and have a brownish-red color. The stems are brown, not particularly ribbed. At first they have downy hair, and then they become naked.

This spirea differs from others due to the characteristic crenate edge of the leaf and the three main veins present below. The flowers have a white-yellow color. They are collected in scute inflorescences. The average flowering time is 20 days. Usually this period occurs in late spring and early summer.

There are mostly positive reviews about this variety of spirea. Gardeners note that the plant tolerates temperatures as low as -23 ° C. Also, it is not harmed by aridity and weak soil composition. Feels quite comfortable in partial shade, but develops more harmoniously with sufficient lighting. Belongs to the varieties protected in reserves.

Advantages

• characteristic crenate edge of the leaf;
• tolerates temperature drops down to -23 ° C;
• unpretentious and hardy;
• blooms from late spring to early summer.

disadvantages

• rare degree of distribution.

The best varieties of summer flowering spirits

Spireas blooming in summer are pruned only in spring. They have an extended flowering period.

Spirea Japanese Little Princess

Rating: 5.0

A graceful, beautifully flowering deciduous shrub. It has a compact spherical crown. Refers to a dwarf variety of spirits. This shrub is slow in growth. During the year, it adds only 0.1 m in height and 0.15 m in width. This variety loves good lighting, but it feels quite normal in partial shade. The composition of the soil does not really matter for this variety.

Not very large, oval leaves are dark green in color from the top and bluish below. They remain this way throughout the spring and summer, and in the fall they become rich yellow-brown. The diameter of the flowers does not exceed 0.5 cm. Delicate pink-red flowers of a small diameter are collected in social shields. They are located at the ends of the shoots. Spirea of ​​this variety blooms profusely in the middle of summer.

According to reviews, the Japanese Little Princess Spirea responds normally to a decrease in temperature. This is a great option for those who do not have the opportunity to cover these plants for the winter. This shrub has good immunity to various pests and diseases. Most often they suffer from aphids, ticks or leaf rollers. But you can get rid of them pretty quickly with the help of acaricides and insecticides. This spirea fits perfectly into group plantings, but it looks no worse in a single form.

Advantages

• beautifully blooming dwarf variety;
• grows well on any soil;
• tolerates a drop in temperature well;
• likes good lighting, but tolerates slight darkening.

disadvantages

• aphids, ticks or leaf rollers can attack the bush.

Spirea Japanese Macrophylla

Rating: 4.9

One of the best decorative leafy representatives of the species. It is distinguished by the power of the bush and the speed of growth. If during budding in May this shrub is cut off, leaving only 6–10 cm from the soil level, then the young shoots in the upper part of the bush will retain a bright color throughout the summer, which can easily be confused with flowers from afar.

The variety is famous for its large foliage (length – 20 cm, width – 10 cm). They change color depending on the season. Initially red with a purple tint, they change to dark green, and then turn yellow. Delicate pink flowers form small inflorescences. But against the background of bright leaves, they are visually lost. Flowering most often occurs in July.

Gardeners speak very well of this variety. They note that the plant tolerates moderate frosts well. It is enough to water the bushes 2 times a month (about 15 liters of water per 1 spirea). But after cutting it is required to water the plant more abundantly. The shrub has good immunity against major diseases and pests, but sometimes suffers from aphids, ticks or leaf rollers.

Advantages

• large and very bright foliage;
• not afraid of a slight drop in temperature;
• resistant to diseases and pests;
• it is enough to water 2 times a month.

disadvantages

• the flowers are invisible against the background of variegated foliage.

Spirea Japanese Goldflame

Rating: 4.8

An attractive, densely growing shrub with bright yellow leaves. During the season, the foliage changes its color many times. The height of the bush is less than 1 m. It belongs to the slowly growing. For a year, it adds only 0.1 m in height and width. They are used both singly and combined in groups with other plants. With the help of this variety, it is possible to perfectly design reservoirs and create low hedges.

The leaves reach 5–8 cm in length. They are oblong, and have denticles along the edge. During the season, the foliage changes from orange-red to yellow-green (at the time of flowering) and then returns to its previous bright appearance. Small flowers with bright pink color. They are all located in the same plane. Shrub bloom profusely for 50 days.

In the reviews, gardeners note that this variety tolerates a moderate decrease in temperature without problems. However, in particularly harsh winters, the part of the plant that remains uncovered by the snow may suffer. But with the arrival of spring, they quickly recover. This variety of Japanese spirea can suffer from ticks and aphids. The shrub loves direct sunlight, but it feels quite normal in partial shade. The bush lives for 15-20 years.

Advantages

• during the season, the leaves change color several times;
• flowering lasts up to 1.5 months;
• not afraid of moderate drops in temperature;
• the bush can live up to 20 years.

disadvantages

• parts of the plant that are not covered with snow can freeze slightly.

Spirea Japanese Froebelia

Rating: 4.7

Bushes with a spherical crown and straight upright branches look very beautiful. This variety is famous for its decorative properties almost all year round. This is possible due to the fact that flowers or leaves constantly maintain red hues on themselves. Very often this plant is included in group compositions with other plants. This variety is great for creating borders.

This variety of spirea has purple leaves when blooming. And with the arrival of autumn, they turn red-purple. The flowers have a rich crimson color and they are collected in large corymbose inflorescences. This shrub blooms for a long time – from mid-summer to early autumn. In order for the crown to form beautiful and correct, the plant needs mandatory spring pruning.

According to reviews, the plant is resistant to diseases and pests, but sometimes it is attacked by aphids, mites or leaf rollers. Spirea Froebelli tolerates temperatures as low as -35 ° C. The variety is not picky about the composition of the soil and feels fine during drought. But if it grows on rich soils and is timely moistened, then its decorative properties increase.

Advantages

• the constant presence of a red color on the bush;
• tolerates a temperature drop down to -35 ° C;
• the variety is not picky about the composition of the soil;
• blooms from July to September.

disadvantages

• may suffer from aphids, ticks or leaf rollers.

Spirea Billard

Rating: 4.6

Hybrid variety of willow spirea. It is a powerful bush, reaching a height of 2-2.5 m. Its stems are straight, grow vertically upward, forming a lush crown in the shape of a sphere. There is no foliage on the bottom of the shoots. They are lignified, ribbed, gray-brown in color. Young twigs have a reddish tint. They are densely covered with foliage.

The leaflets are oblong (up to 10 cm long), their shape is lanceolate. They have a clearly visible central vein. On the back, the leaves are glaucous. The shrub blooms from the last week of July until the frosts in October. The flowers are collected in large pyramidal inflorescences that resemble candles. Long peduncles contain a large number of 5-petal small flowers of deep pink color.

In the reviews, gardeners note that Spirea Billard loves good lighting and tolerates drought well. Also, this variety responds adequately to a sharp drop in temperature. It grows on almost any soil. But stagnant hydration is bad for her. Feels fine in the shade, but blooms much better in sunny areas. This plant does not require much maintenance and grows quite quickly.

Advantages

• beautiful pyramidal inflorescences;
• long flowering;
• good resistance to drought and frost;
• It does not require special care;
• growing dynamically.

disadvantages

• does not like excessive soil moisture.

Japanese Spirea Golden Carpet

Rating: 4.5

A beautiful dwarf deciduous shrub. This variety is distinguished by a rare and beautiful form. If these spireas are planted in a group, then visually they resemble a beautiful golden carpet. For which they got their name – Golden Carpet (translated as – Golden Carpet). An adult plant reaches 0.2 m in height and 0.4 m in width. The creeping shoots are densely located.

The leaves are lanceolate. They are medium-sized, simple, arranged symmetrically. Above and below they are smooth, without pubescence. There are practically no flowers in this variety. And those that appear are small, pink and collected in shields. Flowers have no aroma. Flowering lasts only 3-4 days. This can happen between June and September.

According to reviews, the Japanese Spirea Golden Carpet loves direct sunlight and is not selective to the ground. The variety tolerates a slight drop in temperature. If the bushes are planted in the shade, then the leaves lose their golden color and turn green. Often these shrubs can be seen in the compositions of alpine hills, and they also create neat low curbs from them.

Advantages

• dwarf form with small bright golden leaves;
• in a group planting creates a golden carpet;
• not demanding on the composition of the soil;
• tolerates mild frosts.

disadvantages

• there are no flowers or there are very few of them;
• in the shade, the leaves lose their golden color.

Japanese spirea Jenpey (Shirobana)

Rating: 4.4

A beautiful undersized shrub with a compact crown. Distinctive feature: flowers are collected in one inflorescence, having 3 different colors. This variety thrives in urban environments. It belongs to the soil-covering plants that are actively used to create borders, rectangular flower beds or flower beds. Thuja, juniper and spruce are good neighbors for this variety.

Shiroban's leaves are narrow-lanceolate with notches. They reach 2 cm in length and are dark green in color. In autumn, the color of the leaves can be yellow or bright red. Flowers in three shades at once are present in each inflorescence-shield. Blooms from July to September on the shoots of the current year. In order for flowering to be longer and not to spoil the appearance of the bush, it is necessary to remove faded shields in a timely manner.

Landscape designers and gardeners speak very well of this variety. They note that the Japanese Spirea Jenpei loves good lighting, but reacts quite normally to partial shade. It is not demanding on soils, but it looks more harmonious on loose, fertile, moist soil. It tolerates a drop in temperature well. Needs moderate watering. Sometimes the plant is attacked by ticks or aphids.

Advantages

• unusual tricolor flowering;
• loves light, but tolerates light shading;
• grows well in urban environments;
• grows on almost any soil.

disadvantages

• an attack by ticks or aphids is possible.

Spirea Japanese Crisp

Rating: 4.3

Graceful undersized ornamental shrub. Its diameter and height averages 70-80 cm. The plant has a dense, spherical crown. Shoots grow straight, but sometimes bend. Looks good in single or group plantings. It becomes a real highlight of lawns, forest edges or along park roads. It grows slowly.

The leaves are delicate, wavy, shaped like an egg. When dissolved, they are reddish, over time they become light green, and in the fall they acquire a scarlet color. The flowers of the variety are pink. They are small in size and are collected in lush flat umbellate inflorescences. They appear on the shoots of the second year. This spirea blooms from mid-summer to early fall. And if you remove faded inflorescences, then the bush will retain an attractive appearance longer.

According to reviews, Spirea Japanese Crispa tolerates a slight drop in temperature, but in severe winters, that part of the plant that remains not covered with snow can freeze slightly. The variety is not picky about the soil, but does not tolerate excessive moisture. The plant is resistant to diseases and pests. In dry season, it requires intensive watering.

Advantages

• graceful low bush;
• beautiful bloom;
• grows on any soil;
• tolerates light frosts well;
• good immunity to diseases and pests.

disadvantages

• does not tolerate excessive moisture.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.