It's usual for spirea to like it damp. Out here the native lowland species forms thickets in standing water that were called "prairies" by local pioneers - probably because these occasional extensive patches formed prairie-like vistas in an otherwise heavily forested landscape.

There are a few spireas that like consistantly moist soil, but the majority of them are very drought tolerant.

My Brichleaf and flaming mound are just a couple.

"regular to moderate water"

"moist rather than very dry"

"moist"

"not over-dry"

"cool moist conditions"

"moist"

"not on ... very dry soil"

--various authors

syrax,
only one blossomed and only on one branch. But they were the most lovely pink hanging bells one could imagine. The other styrax is hale and hearty, but I was disappointed it didn't bloom. I don't even know what color it is. They may both be a bit young.

Must be the wrong thread.

whose?

So you weren't addressing someone posting as "syrax", you were saying Styrax has not been as expected.

Pink snowdrop trees seen here seems more fragrant than typical.

Who's on first?

bboy's on first. He "got me". Misspellings and lack of Latin nomenclature get us everytime. I was being lazy because I usually use Latin. Yes, I believe I was lucky enough to receive Styrax 'pink chimes' at a swap. I had no idea what a jewel it is. I have a feeling the sparse flowering may be lack of sun, not lack of maturity. Where ever I need to put it to bloom more, there it will be. What's anyone's experience?

(OT there 's a great column in the Sunday NYTimes by William Safire, who has followers he calls the "Gocha gang" They respond en force when they catch him, a great grammarian and english language expert, making a mistake. And he always acknowledges their "Gotchas"
You have to love GW!

One to add to the dissapointment list...

Iroquis Black Chokeberry
Conditions - rich well drained soil, partial sun

Few stems, few leaves, minimal flowers, fruit sets ok. Leaf and fruit color is pretty dark so you can barely see the plant.

And another...

Twist and Shout Hydrangea
Conditions - protected eastern exposure with rich soil.
Leaves wilt and brown very easily. Upper 80's hurts the plants. Flower color is inconsistent, various blues and pinks. Some leaves have taken on their fall color, deep reddish purple already. Flower buds were all present but bloomed very intermitant. It is their 1st year...but if they perform this poorly next year with such favorable planting conditions I plan to pull them out...along with the Iroquis Black Chokeberry.

One to add to the surprise list...

Koreanspice Viburnum
Conditions - full sun, fully exposed location.

Leaves are strong and don't wilt. New growth has a light greenish blue hue and contrasts nicely with the mature dark green leaves. Flower set was weak this spring, but its only 2 years old.

And dang those Quickfire hydrangeas look sexy! The white flowers are so pure and strong, they are about a week old...should start to turn a pink hue in the next couple weeks.

I have 3 in a fully exposed location and another 3 on a slight hill. All the plants are consistant with growth, flowers and leaf moisture retention.

Disappointment-Neon Flash spirea, despite being cut back HARD, stretched so much in part shade conditions that they're way too leggy, and lean towards the sun. Maybe they'll do better if I get the maple trimmed so that there is more light where they're planted. I honestly didn't realize how shady it was, and to be fair, this is a tricky spot because it is south-facing but half the bed is in full sun, with half in part-shade.

Surprise-Pee Wee oakleaf hydrangea made a beautiful, fast growing (thanks to lots of rain this spring and summer)hedge with lots of stunning, sturdy blooms.

What's on second?