Why Has My Bridal Veil Spirea Stopped Blooming?

Question

I have 6 large Bridal Veil Spirea bushes that were planted by the previous owners of our house. They are probably at least 12-15 years old. They have always had an abundance of blooms. Just weighed down with white flowers. The last two years we’ve gotten absolutely no blooms. We don’t really do much to them. We have trimmed them in the past, but not in the last few years. They skip flowering completely and start leafing out. It’s only the beginning of March and they are already covered in leaves. (We are in Little Rock, Arkansas) We’ve had very warm winters the last two years so I’m wondering if this could be affecting them. However there is an unattended Spirea across the road from our house that has continued to bloom as usual. I am trying to figure out what might be wrong. I miss my Spring Spirea show! The photos I uploaded are from 2016, 2017 and 2018. We had barely any blooms in 2019 and for 2020 we have only leaves.

Answer 1

Usually, since Spirea are low feeders and won't require much supplemental nutrients, a tip pruning can help rejuvenate an old shrubs. You may still try and give it a half strength dose of all purpose granular fertilizer during the years that the shrub is not productive.

These articles will help you with their care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/spirea/growing-spirea-shrubs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/spirea/cutting-back-spirea-shrubs.htm