About

A dense, deciduous shrub about 2m tall, with arching branches and finely-toothed, glossy, vivid green leaves, grey-downy beneath, turning orange or red in autumn. Double white flowers are produced in tight clusters along the branches in mid to late spring.

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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
PruningPruning group 2 for spiraeas flowering on previous years stems, in summer after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus