Spiraea japonica Poprocks™ Petite ('Odessa') PPAF

• Pollinators: The bright pink flowers of 'Odessa' attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, making 'Odessa' a great choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
  
  Birds: The plant also provides shelter and nesting spots for small birds, offering habitat value throughout the year.

• Spring to Summer: 'Odessa' starts blooming in late spring, usually in May or June, with clusters of small, bright pink flowers that continue into summer. The flowers cover the shrub in dense clusters, creating a full, vibrant display.
  
• Fall: As the season transitions, the foliage turns to softer yellow and orange hues before dropping in the fall, providing seasonal interest and a warm color transition before winter.
  
• Winter: In winter, 'Odessa' enters dormancy and sheds its leaves. Though it’s leafless, the compact, rounded form of the shrub adds structure to the winter landscape.
  
  

• Leaves: The foliage of 'Odessa' is a dark, glossy green, which contrasts beautifully with the bright pink flowers. The leaves are small, oval, and finely serrated, giving the plant a refined appearance.
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the foliage turns to softer yellow and orange shades before the leaves drop, offering additional seasonal interest.
  
• Texture: The leaves have a smooth, glossy texture, adding a sheen that catches the light and enhances the plant's aesthetic appeal.
  
  

• Flower Description: 'Odessa' produces abundant clusters of small, bright pink flowers. The flowers are densely packed, creating a vibrant display across the shrub. The blooms are particularly showy, adding a pop of color to the garden during late spring and early summer.
  
  Flower Longevity: Each cluster of flowers lasts for several weeks, with new clusters continuing to emerge throughout the blooming period.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Odessa' is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. This gives the plant the opportunity to establish roots before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. 'Odessa' thrives in moist, but well-drained soil and prefers a sunny spot for optimal flower production. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the roots, then water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 2–3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and to accommodate their mature size.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Odessa' in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and trim back any older stems that are not producing new growth.
  
• Pruning Tips: Lightly deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming period to encourage continued flowering. After the main bloom cycle, prune back any overgrown or leggy stems to maintain the plant’s compact shape.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Regularly remove dead or faded flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and promote additional blooms. Avoid heavy pruning, as it may reduce the number of flowers the plant produces.

• Watering: 'Odessa' requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Odessa' is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially during blooming.
  
• Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant to prevent wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
  
  

'Odessa' thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, the plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In regions with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress and preserve the vibrancy of the flowers.

While 'Odessa' is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, you can harvest branches with flowers for use in floral arrangements. The plant may also produce small seed pods after flowering, which can be harvested if desired.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy new growth and vibrant flowers. For roses and shrubs grown in containers, consider applying a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to maintain healthy growth.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote more leaf growth than flowering. A balanced fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus will help encourage flowering.

•  'Odessa' produces both male and female flowers and is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant for pollination. However, planting it near other Spiraea varieties or pollinator-friendly plants can enhance overall pollination and encourage more abundant flowering.
  
  

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Daylilies, Echinacea, or Coreopsis for added contrast in texture and color.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other small flowering shrubs such as Weigela, Viburnum, or Hydrangea to create a dynamic, multi-layered garden.
  
• Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope can enhance the base of 'Odessa' and provide additional texture.