Baby's breath spirea (Spiraea thunbergii)

Also known as: Thunberg's spiraea

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a deciduous flowering shrub indigenous to Asia. Thriving on sunny hillsides, this species prefers full sunlight for optimal growth.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Baby's breath spirea

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.5 m

Spread

2 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

6 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of Baby's breath spirea

Quickly Identify Baby's breath spirea

Twiggy structure with outward-arching branches resembling a fountain.

White flowers in small clusters bloom in April, covering the shrub.

Yellow-green leaves with serrulated margins and bronze-orange tinge in fall.

Slender stems with zig-zag pattern, light brown color, and smooth texture.

Scientific Classification of Baby's breath spirea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Rose

Genus

Spirea

Species

Baby's breath spirea

Planting and Growing of Baby's breath spirea

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Baby's breath spirea?

Spiraea thunbergii, commonly known as Thunberg spirea, requires a consistent watering regime. Water deep enough to reach the root zone but avoid waterlogging. Ensure the soil is moist but not overly wet; this balance is crucial for its growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Baby's breath spirea? ›

What should I do if my Baby's breath spirea is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Baby's breath spirea? ›

How to save an overwatered Baby's breath spirea? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Baby's breath spirea?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Spiraea thunbergii does best in full sun to partial sun conditions. This exposure, yielding around six to eight hours of light daily, supports stunning flower display and healthy foliage, maintaining its ornamental value over time.

Optimal Sunlight Exposure ›

Achieving Ideal Light through Strategic Positioning ›

Benefits of Adequate Sunlight ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Baby's breath spirea?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Spiraea thunbergii thrives best within a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. This range provides the optimal conditions for metabolic activity, allowing the plant to perform photosynthesis efficiently and maintain strong, healthy growth.

What Soil is Best for Baby's breath spirea?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Spiraea thunbergii thrives in nutrient-rich soil. Providing soil with ample nutrients ensures healthy growth and vibrant blooms, enhancing the plant's overall vigor and resilience. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot in Spiraea thunbergii. It helps maintain a balance of moisture, supporting healthy root development and promoting sustainable growth. The plant needs soil that retains moderate moisture without becoming soggy. This balance helps in sustaining consistent hydration, essential for the plant's floral abundance and foliage health. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Baby's breath spirea?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Spiraea thunbergii, an appropriate amount of liquid fertilizer is 1/4 strength of a balanced, all-purpose formula diluted with water. Avoid over-fertilizing by following label instructions carefully. When using slow-release fertilizers, scatter about half a cup per mature plant around the base, ensuring even distribution. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Baby's breath spirea?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by identifying dead or weak branches and remove them completely. For shaping, trim back flowering shoots to maintain the desired contour of the bush. If needed, focus on thinning out overcrowded branches to allow better air circulation. This also helps all parts of the plant receive adequate sunlight. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Baby's breath spirea plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Choose healthy, young stems from the Spiraea thunbergii plant for cuttings. The ideal length is 10-15 centimeters. Ensure that the cutting is free from disease or pests.

Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce water loss and prevent rotting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Insert the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting mix. Firm the soil around the cutting to ensure good contact. Position the cutting in indirect sunlight until it roots.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Baby's breath spirea plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Spiraea thunbergii should be repotted when its growth seems stunted or roots emerge from the drainage holes. These signs, usually visible in early spring, indicate the plant has outgrown its current home and requires more space to flourish.

Select a pot that's 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and ensures proper drainage. This allows sufficient room for root expansion and helps prevent waterlogging, promoting healthy root development and overall plant vigor.

Opt for well-draining loamy soil to prevent root rot and provide essential nutrients. This type of soil helps maintain a balance between retaining moisture and allowing excess water to drain, keeping the roots healthy and the plant thriving.