Overview
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
'Snowmound' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that spreads, featuring gracefully arching branches adorned with small, obovate leaves. Its short lateral shoots culminate in rounded clusters of small white flowers, each measuring up to 4 cm in width.
About the genus
Spiraea are deciduous shrubs that may produce suckers, characterized by their simple leaves and clusters of small, five-petaled flowers. These flowers, which can be white or pink, appear in short racemes, panicles, or corymbs during the spring or summer months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spiraea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most moist soils, tolerant of all but the most extreme conditions. Especially suitable for mixed borders
- Pruning
- Pruning group 2. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Easy to grow in most moist soils, tolerant of all but the most extreme conditions. Especially suitable for mixed borders.
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' need?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Pruning group 2. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering.
How big does Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' grow?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' hardy in the UK?
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
Is Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' good for pollinators?
Yes — Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.