My Spirea Snowmound has lost its leaves. It is kept outside (in the UK), however I did bring it inside recently for a week when I went on holiday. It was very dense with leaves about 3 or 4 weeks ago. There doesn't appear to be any new buds but I did the fingernail bark scrape test and it was green underneath the bark. Should I be worried or does it normally lose leaves?

Many thanks

Yes, spirea is decidious, so they should shed their leafs in authum. It sounds a little bit early for uk. I am quite sure that it will not grow any new leafs until spring.

Why did you put it inside while you were away?

That scratch test has killed many beginners trees. Just dont do it.

It was due to be reasonably warm and would have probably completely dried out if I had left it outside . Left it in indirect light, just inside.

So not irreparable harm then if leaves fall off prematurely.

Not necessary irreparable, but might be. Anyway I dont think that you will know for sure until spring.

So there isn’t much I can do apart from watering it when needed and doing some hoping.

That would be my take on the situation. But dont spend the whole winter worrying