I’ve written about spireas in this space before, declaring Spiraea thunbergii ‘Fujino Pink’ to be my favourite, but I’ve changed my mind; Glow Girl birchleaf spirea (S. betulifolia Glow Girl) is my new favourite. After all, if you ask any gardener to name her favourite plant, she’ll name whatever is in bloom at the moment, and Glow Girl is in bloom right now, looking crisp and … [Read more...] about Don’t overlook spireas
spirea
How to take hardwood cuttings
Taking hardwood cuttings in the fall is an easy, economical way to increase plants through vegetative reproduction; the new plants will be clones of the original. This method is also the only way to propagate hybrids and cultivars, which won’t come true from seed. Grow an entire hedge with cuttings from one privet shrub, or reproduce cuttings from a favourite weigela or … [Read more...] about How to take hardwood cuttings
Three tricoloured plants for Canada’s 150th party
I love a good party plant, and with Canada Day fast approaching, I’ve been thinking about the flowering plants I grow that simultaneously bear blooms of three different colours. Some gardeners may think that tricoloured plants are a little over the top, but that’s what makes these varieties so festive. My Campfire roses bear yellow, pink and deep rose-coloured petals that … [Read more...] about Three tricoloured plants for Canada’s 150th party
There’s something about spirea
Since their introduction to the West in the 1850s, Japanese spireas (Spiraea japonica cvs.) have been embraced by gardeners everywhere for their white, pink and red flowers, tidy habit, easy care, ability to grow in average to poor soils and, more recently, for their bright, colourful foliage. From shopping centre parking lots to the most exclusive gardens, it’s hard to avoid … [Read more...] about There’s something about spirea
New spirea: the last colourful plant
The leaves fell from most every plant this week, with the exception of a new spirea that surprised me with its late vivid colour. I had a gift of two small pots of Double Play Artist spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Galen’, 2 x 2 feet / 60 x 60 cm, Zone 5). I planted them, and as leaves fell, the little plants were concealed. Sweeping leaves around in the beds, I uncovered these now … [Read more...] about New spirea: the last colourful plant
