Appearance

• Pink Parasols is the first Spiraea fritschiana cultivar to exhibit pink flowers. Spiraea fritschiana shrubs typically offer white flowers. Pink Parasols grows 2 to 3 feet tall, and 3 to 4 feet wide. The shrub has a dense, compact habit with ovate leaves that are about 2 inches long. New leaves emerge with red tinting, and gradually shift to green before turning yellow, orange and red in the fall. Tiny pink flowers appear in late spring to early summer, forming flat-topped, parasol-like clusters known as corymbs.
  
  

Care

• A suitable landscape plant for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, Spiraea Pink Parasols and does best in a bright, full-sun location. The plant grows in a wide range of soil types as long as soil is well-draining. Spirea Pink Parasols requires regular garden watering during the growing season. The plant is resistant to strong heat, and deer typically avoid grazing on the foliage.
  
  

Uses

• Spiraea Pink Parasols offers ornamental value in multiple seasons, offering flowers in the spring and summer and foliage in the fall. Pink Parasols works well in a mixed border as a hedge, or in a container as a stand-alone specimen. The plant can also be used to attract butterflies to the garden. Fertilize in early spring to encourage new flower growth. Prune after flowering to keep the plant looking neat and tidy, and remove faded flower clusters.
  
  

Problems

• The plant has no serious pest or disease problems, although common fungal disease such as leaf spot, powdery mildew and root rot may occur. Following proper cultural practices is the best way to prevent disease. Fungal diseases are more likely to occur in waterlogged, dense soils. Check occasionally for common pests such as leaf rollers, aphids and scale. Scale can be prevented with regular applications of horticultural oil. Control pests with an insecticide if infestation is severe.