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 densiflora var. splendens is a deciduous, suckering shrub in the Rosaceae that flowers from May to July. It is native to western North America, including Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. It suits full sun or partial shade and a wide range of soils provided they are moist but well-drained or well-drained.

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

In the garden

Spiraea densiflora var. splendens is a deciduous member of the rose family that bears its flowers from May to July. Native to the mountains and meadows of western North America — from California north to British Columbia and east to states and provinces such as Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alberta — it is adapted to a variety of exposures in its original range. Plant it where it receives full sun or partial shade and offer a soil that can be chalk, clay, loam or sand; it tolerates acid, alkaline or neutral pH. The soil should be on the drier end of reliably moist rather than persistently waterlogged. It will grow in south-, west- or east-facing positions and copes with both exposed and sheltered sites; it is rated H6 (very hardy) in the UK. The shrub has a suckering habit, so allow space or a root barrier if you need to limit spread. In the garden it is best used in mixed and shrub borders, cottage or informal schemes, wildlife areas and flower beds where a concentrated period of late spring to midsummer colour is wanted. Sit it where a May–July floral run helps link spring bulbs with summer perennials for continuous interest.

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

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