A number of species and numerous cultivars of spirea (Spiraea spp.) Are precious because of their appealing cascades of flowers along with comparatively few maintenance requirements. Hardiness and mature size varies by specific cultivars, but all require regular trimming to stay appealing. Pink spirea, which blooms in late spring to midsummer, gains from cutting in late winter or early spring to shape the plant, deadheading subsequent thriving to potentially support a second flowering, and pruning everywhere to remove damaged or diseased portions of the tree. Overgrown or older spireas also recover well from severe rejuvenation pruning.
Wipe the cutting blades of the pruning tools spray or down them with rubbing alcohol or a remedy which contains 10 percent bleach between plants or uses. If you’re making cuts to remove diseased portions of a spirea, disinfect the tool after each cut.
Cut the hints of pink spirea branches away selectively in late winter or early spring to form the spirea and improve its density, as desirable. Always make cuts just above a bud facing the desired direction, and eliminate no more than a third of this spirea’s bulk or branches.
Trim off branches which are rubbing against each other, spanning or growing in a negative direction.
Snip spent flowers off only after blooming has finished, making the cut beside a leaf scoop, bud or junction with another stem. This deadheading isn’t essential, but may support a second, lighter blossom.
Trim off dead, diseased or damaged portions of the spirea year-round as they appear, creating a cut a couple of inches below the problematic part into healthy tissue and only above a bud or stem junction.
Cut the entire pink spirea back to 6 to 10 inches above ground level if the tree is overgrown, old or otherwise unsightly. Spirea can recover well with renewed vigor after this rejuvenation pruning.
Cut off half of the new canes that originate from the plant’s base after rejuvenation pruning and cut off the tips of a few of these remaining stems, making each of these cuts over an outward-facing bud.