Overview
Spiraea betulifolia is a bushy, suckering shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spiraea betulifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include mixed borders, shrub borders, cottage gardens, informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Spiraea betulifolia is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, known for its bushy, suckering habit. Like other Spiraea species, it produces simple leaves and clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings including mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and prefers moist but well-drained conditions across a range of soil types and pH levels.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spiraea betulifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Mixed borders, Shrub borders, Cottage gardens, Informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea betulifolia
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea betulifolia?
Spiraea betulifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea betulifolia need?
Spiraea betulifolia 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 to well-drained.
Is Spiraea betulifolia hardy in the UK?
Spiraea betulifolia 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 betulifolia?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed.
More in the Spiraea genus
- Spiraeaspiraea
- Spiraea 'County Park'
- Spiraea 'Golden Carpet'
- Spiraea Snow Storm ('Darsnorm'PBR)
- Spiraea beauverdiana
- Spiraea chamaedryfolia var. pilosa
- Spiraea corymbosaAlleghany meadowsweet
- Spiraea densiflora subsp. densiflora
