Japanese spiraea

Spiraea japonica

Japanese spiraea is a native of Southwest China and has spread over much of China, Korea and Japan. Its habitat is streams edges and other boggy areas. It prefers a full sun location but can tolerate shade. It is a deciduous shrub with clusters of rosy-pink flowers at the tips of the branches. It makes lovely small to medium Bonsai, full of year-round character.

Spiraea japonica

Japanese Spiraea Bonsai Care

The Japanese Spiraeas make lovely small to medium Clump style bonsai. They prefer a full sun location but can tolerate shade. It is best placed in a full sun position to enjoy a full blush of flowers and excellent autumn colour.

Watering a Japanese Speria

Water generously is a very thirsty plant but hates to be waterlogged for too long.

Feeding: Feed with balanced low availability fertiliser. Slow-release organic fertilisers are best suited to it. For example, if using a liquid feed every two weeks between March and Jun and then again between Aug and October.

Repotting a Japanese Speria

The Spirea prefer moist soil, so best to repot in a well-drained soil mix with good moisture retention abilities. I use two parts Akadama, one part Pumice and one part Sphagnum moss or Coconut Coir.

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  Japanese Speria Mame Bonsai

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  Spring Japanese Speria Leaves

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  Japanese Speria 'Nebari'

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  Japanese Speria Bonsai

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  Handmade Bonsai Pot by Mark D'Cruz

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  Fresh and Mature Spirea Leaf

Pruning:

Prune in Autumn after flowering has completed. Reduce or remove long runners and suckers. Deadhead flowers and remove all corymbs. It will encourage more delicate branching.

Wiring: Shaping usually is carried out with pruning, but if required, it is best to wire in Autumn, but be careful as branches are stiff and could snap easily.

Propagation: Spirea can be multiplied from Ground layering, Semi-hardwood and Hardwood cuttings. Semi-hardwood cutting between 10-15 cm long can be taken in Mid to late summer. Hardwood cuttings about pencil thick can be taken in Autumn. Use a rooting agent for best results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCFZmOsdhJI