The Spirea is native to eastern Asia. Many types of Spirea fall into the old fashioned deciduous shrub category. These shrubs have graced the residential landscape with lovely springtime blossoms for over a century.
The spirea shrub is a very nostalgic plant for us as it perhaps is for many people. It was in our grandparent’s yard, and it was in our family’s yard when we were grewing up. It is such a wonderful old fashioned shrub and it provides springtime, usually the month of May, with a profusion of showy delicate white flowers.
Botanical/Common Name: Spiraea / Spirea, Meadowsweet (less common) – Available in various varieties for flower color and habit, and size
Flower: pure white blossoms, and various shades of pinks from pale to magenta to deep pink; old fashioned varieties include Spiraea x vanhouttei with a profusion of showy white blossoms on gracefully arching branches; many varieties and sizes (something for everyone!); bloom anywhere from April to July; no fragrance
Bark: brown in color; branches are twig-like; overall, shrub may have an intricate branching pattern
Fruit: insignificant
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9; some to zone 3
Size and Habit: the many varieties grow from 1.5’ to 10’ in height with a spread 2’ to 10’, i.e. Spiraea x vanhouttei, a very familiar shrub with arching branches, can grow 6’ to 10’ in height with equal spread and the Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’ can grow 2.5’ in height to 3’-5’ in spread; most Spirea are fast growing
Where to Plant: Adaptable to many soil types, but likes a moist, well drained soil; plant in full sun to partial shade
Ways to Use: smaller varieties make good border or foundation plantings; some are low enough to use in a rock garden, i.e. Spiraea japonica ‘Dakota Goldcharm’; mid to large varieties can be used to create a hedge, used in a grouping of three or more in a corner of the yard, and in an island bed in a sprawling lawn.
Used as a border hedge along property line
Special Notes: most familiar has the white bridal wreath type flower; there are around 100 different varieties of Spirea which include various sizes, and flower color, to fit many types of applications in the yard; depending on the variety, leaf sizes vary, and fall color is any where from none to bronzy, orange, or merlot.
It’s always disappointing to see Spirea sheared, even when used as a hedge; the mid to large varieties seem to be so much more attractive when they have a more naturalized form; hand pruning to control the shape typically gives a much nicer presentation – buying a variety that will attain the mature size you need for your situation will eliminate the need to shear it.
