About

A genus of compact, deciduous shrubs from central Asia with small, ovate to oblong, mid-green leaves and short, erect panicles of small, white flowers in late spring. A rarely grown ornamental for a sheltered, sunny, well-drained rock garden or border in mild climates.

About the genus

Spiraea are deciduous shrubs, sometimes suckering, with simple leaves and short racemes, panicles or corymbs of small, 5-petalled white or pink flowers in spring or summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toN America

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in most moist soils, tolerant of all but the most extreme conditions. A rampant shrub that in time can form a dense thicket
PruningPruning group 2. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus