Cape May Bush/May flower/Bridal showers
Between the months of spring and summer the elegant curving branches of Spirea cantoniensis ‘Flora Pleno ‘become covered in pure white, double petaled flowers. This makes a magnificent display in the garden, especially when a dark background allows for a contrast against the snow white flowers.
Although classified as a medium garden shrub Spirea cantoniensis ‘Flora Pleno ‘ can reach a height of around 2 meters with a wide spread of approximately 2,5 meters. They work well as fillers for large beds or as hedges that are not required to be evergreen.
‘May flowers’ are quick growing and pruning is best after flowering , ensure arching canes and dead wood are cut all the way down to the base of the shrub when doing this. The shrub does tend to form multistems at its base as it gets older, remove these unwanted stems in early spring. Although the shrub is classified as deciduous in cold regions it can be classified as evergreen in more temperate climates and copes very well with frost conditions when established. Spirea cantoniensis ‘Flora Pleno ‘grows and flowers best in full sun , but will grow in a semi shade condition. In extremely hot areas it may be best to choose to grow them in a semi shade condition.
‘May flower’ shrubs need average water once established and tolerate many soil types. For best results plant in a fertile moist ground and ensure an organic mulch is used.