Overview
Spiraea salicifolia is a bushy, suckering shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spiraea salicifolia 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.
About
Spiraea salicifolia, commonly known as bridewort, is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family. It has a bushy, suckering habit and features simple leaves with clusters of small, five-petaled flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with varying pH levels. Suitable for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens, it prefers moist but well-drained soil and is hardy to UK zone H6.
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 salicifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Mixed borders, Shrub borders, Cottage gardens, Informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea salicifolia
- 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 salicifolia?
Spiraea salicifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea salicifolia need?
Spiraea salicifolia 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 salicifolia hardy in the UK?
Spiraea salicifolia 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 salicifolia?
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
