Items 1 to 30 of 33 total
Items 1 to 30 of 33 total
Spirea
Uses:
- Garden Borders & Edges
- Wildlife Gardens
- Container Gardens
Features:
- Drought Tolerant
- Attracts Pollinators
- Unique Foliage Colors
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- 5+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 5-8
- What is My Zone?
Spirea are easy to care for flowering shrubs that attract bees, butterflies & hummingbirds. The low maintenance shrubs are deer resistant and offer several unique foliage colors in shades of yellow, green and blue.
About Spirea
Genus
Species
Family
Spiraea
Spiraea alba, Spiraea arguta, Spiraea japonica, Spiraea nipponica, Spiraea prunifolia, Spiraea salicifolia, Spiraea thunbergii
Rosaceae
Common Names:
Spirea, Meadowsweet, Steeplebush
Native To:
North America, Europe, and Asia
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3-9
Flower Color:
White, Pink, Red
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to summer
Growth Habit:
Mounded, Upright, Spreading
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, Heat
Resists:
Deer, Pests
How To Use Spirea In The Garden
Spirea is valued for its delicate appearance and arching branches covered in clusters of tiny flowers that bloom in white, pink, or red, depending on the variety. Its fine-textured foliage, which can range from bright green to golden hues, provides interest throughout the growing season. Spirea is highly adaptable, thriving in various soil types and tolerating full sun to partial shade. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a go-to choice for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal effort.
In landscaping, spirea is an excellent option for creating informal hedges or adding depth to mixed shrub borders. Its compact varieties are perfect for foundation plantings or accents in perennial beds. The cascading form of certain species adds movement and softens hardscapes like walls or fences. When planted en masse, spirea creates a cohesive, colorful backdrop that enhances the overall texture and appeal of the garden.
Spirea Care
Spirea plants grow best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. For optimal growth, choose a location that receives full sun, though some varieties can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish strong roots, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring encourages healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Regular pruning maintains the plant's shape and encourages new growth. After the first bloom cycle, trim spent flowers to promote a second flush of blooms. More severe pruning can be performed in late winter or early spring, cutting stems back by 2/3 to stimulate new growth. For container gardening, select a pot with drainage holes and use high-quality potting soil. In colder climates, protect container-grown plants by insulating pots or moving them to a sheltered location.
Learn More About Spirea
Spirea Companion Plants
Plants that go well with spirea are sun loving shrubs, perennials and annuals. Some of our favorite plants to grow with spirea are weigela, viburnum, loropetalum, low growing junipers and ornamental grasses.
