Overview
Spiraea vanhouttei is a shrub in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family. Spiraea vanhouttei grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging, borders and ornamental.
About
Spiraea × vanhouttei, called Van Houtte's spiraea, Vanhoutte spirea, or bridal wreath, is an artificial hybrid species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. Its parents are Spiraea cantoniensis, Reeves' spirea, and Spiraea trilobata, the Asian meadowsweet,.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spiraea × vanhouttei
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spiraea
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Spiraea vanhouttei size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- hedging, borders, ornamental
- Fragrance
- mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea vanhouttei
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soils but performs best in moist, fertile conditions.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth.
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings, layering
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Spiraea vanhouttei?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soils but performs best in moist, fertile conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea vanhouttei?
Spiraea vanhouttei prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Spiraea vanhouttei need?
Spiraea vanhouttei grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Spiraea vanhouttei?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth.
Is Spiraea vanhouttei hardy in the UK?
Spiraea vanhouttei has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Spiraea vanhouttei?
Softwood cuttings, layering.
More in the Spiraea genus
- Spiraeaspiraea
- Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic'Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea japonica 'Odessa'PBRJapanese Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Zen'Spirit Gold ('Minspiz07')Japanese Meadowsweet
- Spiraea prunifolia f. simplicifloraBridalwreath Spirea
- Spiraea densiflora var. splendensDense-flowered Spiraea
- Spiraea japonica Little Flame ('Minspil04'PBR)Japanese Spiraea