Spirea and fake spirea are two plants that are often bedevil due to their similar names . However , they belong to different industrial plant families and have distinct characteristics . In this detailed result , I will explain the differences between spirea and sham spirea , cover various aspects such as appearing , flowers , and aboriginal habitats .
1 . Appearance : Spirea ( genus Spiraea ) is a deciduous shrub that typically grows in a compact , rounded shape . It has multiple bow and can contact a height of 2 - 5 metrical unit , depending on the specific variety . The foliage is generally dense and features small , serrate leaf that are often green or blue - putting green in color . Some spiraea diversity have attractive autumn leaf , turning shades of red , orangish , or yellow .
On the other hand , false spirea ( Astilbe spp . ) is a perennial plant that grows from a pate , take shape a lump of finely divided , fern - like foliage . It has a more delicate appearance compared to spirea , with feathery , compound leaf that are usually dark unripened . False spirea can pass tiptop of 2 - 4 feet , and the overall form is more upright and vase - like compared to the rounded phase of spirea .
2 . blossom : One of the central distinctions between spiraea and assumed spiraea lies in their efflorescence . Spirea typically blooms in mid - natural spring to early summertime , producing small clusters of flower at the ends of the branches . The peak clustering can range in colors from whitened to various tincture of garden pink , bet on the specific cultivar . The blooming are commonly flat or slightly rounded in chassis , and they produce a charming display on the shrub .
In contrast , fake spirea blooms in mid - summer , typically around June or July . Its peak are coiffe in tall , cone - work plume that can strive height of 1 - 4 feet . The plume are indite of numerous tiny flowers and are predominantly white , although some cultivars may have pink or crimson hues . The overall consequence of the false spirea ’s flower plumes is quite spectacular and supply vertical interest to the garden .
3 . Native Habitat : Spirea is a diverse genus that includes many species aboriginal to various region of the earth . Some vernacular Astilbe japonica specie , such as Spiraea japonica , are native to Japan and China , while others , like Spiraea douglasii , are native to North America . Each species has its own specific aboriginal home ground essential , but generally , spireas opt full sun to partial shade and well - draining soil .
On the other manus , faux spirea ( Astilbe spp . ) is aboriginal to mountainous regions of Asia , in particular China , Korea , and Japan . These plant course develop in moist , woodland environments , often along current banks or in fly-by-night forested areas . False spirea thrives in soil that is consistently moist and robust in constitutive subject , and they prefer fond shade or filter sunlight .
Spirea and false spirea are trenchant plants with noticeable difference in visual aspect , heyday , and aboriginal home ground . Spirea is a deciduous shrub with compact emergence , minuscule clusters of white or pink flowers , and various native species worldwide . off-key spirea , on the other handwriting , is a perennial industrial plant with fern - alike leafage , tall plumes of white flowers , and native to craggy regions of Asia . realise these differences can serve gardeners choose the correct plant for their specific needs and create beautiful landscape .
Caroline Bates
