Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'
Common Name(s):
Birch-leaf Spiraea
Tor birchleaf spirea
Synonym:
Spirea betulifolia 'Thor'
Tor spirea
Flower:
White
Blooms :
May
to:
Jun
Very small, flowers with 5 petals in dense flat-topped clusters
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Rosaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Foliage:
Green
Birch-like, alternate, simple, oval (to 1.5" long) have toothed margins
Fall Color?
YES
Gold, bronze, and red foliage
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Japan & East Asia
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
2-3'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Cultivar so has no native habitat
Soil:
Best in moist, well-drained, fertille
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Apply a layer of compost or a balanced slow-release granular formulation in early spring
Mulch:
Shredded bark, compost, well-rotted leaf mulch
Give full sun, deep infrequent watering, prune immediately after flowering
Long Term:
Winter:
Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed
Spring:
Prune before new growth begins, mulch
Summer:
Water deeply once a week, clip spent flower clusters
Fall:
Keep soil moist, well-drained, clear debris, do not prune
General Care Comments:
Full sun, well-draining soil, 2-3" layer of mulch
Common Problems
Improper watering, poor drainage, too much shade
Diseases:
Spiraea powdery mildew
Insects:
Aphid, Snapdragon Plume Moth, spider nites
Environmental Problems:
Poorly drained soils, intense drought, heat, high humidity
Pests:
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