Spiraea blumei
G.Don.
(c) 小铖/Smalltown, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 小铖/Smalltown
What to Eat
Tea. The leaves are a tea substitute.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)
How to Identify
Spiraea blumei is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
Tolerates most soils, but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. A variable species, it is often confused in gardens with S. trilobata.
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, July/August in a light sandy soil a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, October/November in an outdoor frame. Another report says that September is a good time to do this. Division of suckers in early spring. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.
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