Can You Keep a Little Princess Spirea Small?
"Little Princess" is a dwarf cultivar of Japanese meadowsweet (Spiraea japonica), also commonly referred to as spirea by American gardeners. Compared to the many other cultivars of this deciduous shrub, Little Princess matures with a smaller, denser silhouette. This makes it especially useful as a low hedge, foundation planting, or mixed border shrub in gardens with limited space. Grow Little Princess spirea in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Pruning can limit plant size, but not make it much smaller than 18 inches tall without problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size Expectations
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If never pruned and allowed to grow to its full, mature size, the Little Princess spirea becomes a loose but full mound. Expect it to measure about 30 inches tall and 36 inches wide. Lots of thin, twiggy branches emanate from the roots in a clump, potentially flopping after heavy rains or wind. The strongest branches occur when this spirea is grown in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun settings -- no less than eight hours of direct sun daily.
Pruning
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Little Princess spirea may be maintained at a smaller size if pruned each year. Keeping the plant smaller is most appropriate if the shrub is a low hedge at the front of a garden bed or space in the garden is limited. Cut back the entire shrub in very late winter before dormant buds swell to reveal leaves. Use hand or bypass pruners to cut back all branches to a height of 4 to 6 inches.
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Growth Characteristics
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While the bright jade green leaves of the Little Princess spirea are ornamental, the most beautiful feature occurs in late spring to early summer when branch tips bear clusters of tiny, rosy pink flowers. These flowers develop on new branch growth that occurs after pruning. Additional pruning of branches later in spring can limit the size of the regrowth, but likely removes tissues that would yield flowers. To enjoy a smaller-sized spirea and the flowers, make any trimming to limit plant size immediately after the flower display wanes.
Insight
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Little Princess spirea will tolerate growing in heavy clay and sandy soils in full sun to partial shade, including compacted soils common in urban areas. If planted in sandy soils that lack organic matter, growth of Little Princess may be slower and less dense and attractive. If stressed by nutrient-poor or overly dry soils, the shrub may not respond very well to constant pruning and trimming to keep it small. Spirea will also look taller and more loosely branched if grown in too much shade. It is easier to create a smaller, denser Little Princess shrub if grown in full sun, as well as enjoy the most flowers possible.
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