One of my favorite native shrubs is Birch Leaf Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia)—a plant that doesn’t look very much like a spirea, but has all the desirable characteristics of the family. It’s hardy to zone 4 and is native to many states in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and from PA through the South Atlantic. There are many cultivars of this lovely deciduous shrub. I chose 'Tor' for my garden.
Tor has gorgeous blue green foliage and adorable white flower clusters in spring. If you’d like to prune it, do so after it blooms. Tor grows two to three feet tall and wide, is not fussy about soil or water, is happy in full sun to part shade and even has colorful foliage in the fall. And like most natives, it basically takes care of itself.
Use Tor as a specimen in a border, as a low hedge or to line a walkway. This wonderful shrub can be easily propagated by taking softwood or hardwood cuttings, dividing the root ball or by layering.
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
July 12, 2008
Trees
Alan Jensen Seller, from The Care of Trees, will teach you about the trees on your property. Tress are very important to the health of our planet--you won't want to miss this class! Cost: $10
August 9, 2008
Hypertufa
Learn the basics of making your own garden trough in this popular hands-on workshop. Details will be sent upon registration. Limited to 15 participants. Cost: $15 (includes materials)
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
