Common Name:

General Information

Spiraea media is an erect, deciduous shrub growing 100 - 200cm tall[, , ]. The plant suckers and can form thickets[].
One of the most common ornamental shrubs in park and gardens of the USSR, where it is often grown as a hedge[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eurasia - Poland to Sloveni, easwards through northern Asia to Kazakhstan, Siberia, Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Undergrowth of dry forests, forest edges, open, shady and stony slopes, among shrubs, valley grass thickets[]. Mixed forests, grassy slopes, rocky montane regions; a elevations from 700 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Spiraea media is a cold hardy plant, but liable to be excited into new growth in early spring, when it is very liable to damage by late frosts[].
Species in this genus generally tolerate most soils[], but prefer a good, well-drained loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight[, ].
Species in this genus generally hybridize freely with other members of this genus, and so seed cannot be relied upon to come true unless the plant has been grown in isolation from other species that are flowering at the same time[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is tolerant of trimming and can be grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a light sandy soil a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, autumn in an outdoor frame[].
Division of suckers in early spring[]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.