Instructions for Spirea Shirobana

Find a sunny location to plant the spirea. It can grow in a shady area, but the blooms will be sparse.

Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the pot, but keep the depth the same as the pot. Scuff the sides and bottom of the hole with the edge of your shovel or spade.

Amend the removed soil with equal amounts of compost.

Fill the planting hole with water. Allow the water to drain away naturally.

Remove the Spirobana spirea from the pot, and position the root ball in the center of the hole.

Fill the hole around the root ball with the amended soil.

Firm the soil around the root ball with your hands or feet.

Water the newly planted spirea to a depth of 15 inches.

Place a 4- to 9-inch layer of mulch around the Shirobana spirea, keeping the mulch 1 inch from the bark of the tree.

Feed the Shirobana spirea with an all-purpose fertilizer early in the spring before new growth appears. Mix and apply the fertilizer according to label directions.

Provide an inch of water once a week, or more often if the weather is hot, to keep the soil evenly moist.

Prune the spirea when flowers have faded in the summer.

Inspect the spirea for pests like aphids. Spray the spirea with water to knock the aphids off the plant.