Overview
Spiraea velutina is a bushy shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spiraea velutina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Spiraea velutina is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Spiraea genus, known for its bushy habit. Like other Spiraea, it produces clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings including city, coastal, and wildlife gardens. It is hardy in the UK (H6) and can be propagated by cuttings taken throughout the growing season.
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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spiraea velutina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spiraea velutina
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spiraea velutina?
Spiraea velutina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Spiraea velutina need?
Spiraea velutina 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 velutina hardy in the UK?
Spiraea velutina 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 velutina?
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in spring to late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
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
