Overview
Spiraea arguta is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spiraea arguta grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Spiraea arguta is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Spiraea, commonly known as meadowsweets or steeplebushes. This genus comprises about 80 to 100 species native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with a strong presence in eastern Asia. Spiraea arguta thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders and beds.
About the genus
Spiraea, sometimes spelled spirea in common names, and commonly known as meadowsweets or steeplebushes, is a genus of about 80 to 100 species of shrubs in the family Rosaceae. They are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Spiraea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spiraea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spiraea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spiraea arguta size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea arguta
- Propagation
- Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea arguta?
Spiraea arguta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea arguta need?
Spiraea arguta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Spiraea arguta hardy in the UK?
Spiraea arguta has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Spiraea arguta?
Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Spiraea genus
- Spiraeaspiraea
- Spiraea aruncus
- Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic'Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBRJapanese Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Zen'Spirit Gold ('Minspiz07')Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea prunifolia f. simplicifloraBridalwreath Spirea
- Spiraea densiflora var. splendensDense-flowered Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Little Flame ('Minspil04'PBR)Japanese Spiraea