Planting Glow Girl® Birchleaf Spiraea
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of sun gives the best flowering and foliage color). It grows in well-drained soil and reaches about 2–3 feet tall and wide.
- Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball's height.
- Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any circling roots.
- Set the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the native soil, gently firming it to remove large air pockets. Do not add fertilizer to the planting hole.
- Water slowly and deeply immediately after planting until the root ball and surrounding soil are thoroughly soaked.
- Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the plant, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the stems.
Watering
- Weeks 1–2: Water deeply every 2–3 days if there is no significant rain.
- Weeks 3–12: Water once or twice a week, soaking the soil 8–10 inches deep.
- After establishment (about 1 year): Water during extended dry periods. Avoid constantly wet soil.
Care
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer if needed.
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant or remove dead wood.
- This shrub attracts bees and other pollinators with its spring flowers.
- No harvesting is needed—it's grown for its flowers and attractive foliage.
Container Growing
Grow in a pot at least 18–20 inches wide with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix, water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, and fertilize lightly each spring. Container plants will need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.