Overview
Spiraea densiflora var. splendens is a bushy, suckering shrub in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spiraea densiflora var. splendens 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. It is native to Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
About
Spiraea splendens is a shrub of the rose family (Rosaceae) native to the western mountains of North America, from California to British Columbia, commonly known as dense-flowered spiraea, rose meadowsweet, rosy spiraea, subalpine spiraea, and mountain spiraea. It is commonly found at elevations between 2,000 feet (610 m) and 11,000 feet (3,400 m) on inland mountain ranges.
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.
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 densiflora var. splendens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Mixed borders, Shrub borders, Cottage gardens, Informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea densiflora var. splendens
- 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 densiflora var. splendens?
Spiraea densiflora var. splendens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea densiflora var. splendens need?
Spiraea densiflora var. splendens 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 densiflora var. splendens hardy in the UK?
Spiraea densiflora var. splendens 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 densiflora var. splendens?
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 betulifolia
- Spiraea chamaedryfolia var. pilosa
- Spiraea corymbosaAlleghany meadowsweet
