Spirea 1 to 30 of 32 total
Spirea 1 to 30 of 32 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.
Types of Spirea
| Type | Scientific Name | Bloom Color | Bloom Timing | Habit | Zones | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Spirea | Spiraea japonica | Pink, purple, red, or white | Late spring–summer | Low-growing, mounding | 4–9 |
- Widest range of flower/foliage colors - Can be invasive in some regions - New growth often has colorful foliage (bronze, gold, chartreuse) |
| Bumalda Spirea | Spiraea × bumalda | White to deep pink | Late spring–summer | Low, mounded to upright | 4–8 |
- Hybrid of S. albiflora and S. japonica - Similar to Japanese spirea in appearance and care - Some cultivars have attractive foliage color through the season |
| Birchleaf Spirea | Spiraea betulifolia | White | Early–midsummer | Dense, rounded mound | 4–8 |
- Notable birch-like, toothed leaves - Spectacular fall color in reds and oranges - Often smaller (3–4 ft tall/wide) |
| Korean Spirea | Spiraea fritschiana | White to pale pink (varies) | Late spring–early summer | Mounded, slightly spreading | 4–8 |
- Native to forests and rocky slopes in Korea - Attractive to butterflies and other pollinators - Leaves can have good texture and mild fall color |
| Vanhoutte (Bridal Wreath) Spirea | Spiraea × vanhouttei | White | Spring | Vase-shaped, arching branches | 3–8 |
- Classic “bridal wreath” look with cascading blooms - Can reach 5–8 ft high and 7–10 ft wide - Often used as a specimen or in informal hedges |
| Nippon (Snowmound) Spirea | Spiraea nipponica | Snow-white | Late spring–early summer | Upright, arching (cascading) | 4–7 (some to 8) |
- Blue-green foliage turning yellow in fall - Similar habit to Vanhoutte but typically smaller (3–5 ft) |
| Baby’s Breath (Thunberg) Spirea | Spiraea thunbergii | White | Very early spring | Graceful, feathery, arching | 4–8 |
- Among the earliest spireas to bloom - Narrow, finely textured leaves turn orange in fall - 3–5 ft tall and wide |
| Bridal Wreath Spirea | Spiraea prunifolia | White (double blossoms) | Early–mid spring | Arching, fountain-like | 5–8 |
- Showy double white flowers appear before leaves - Foliage may turn red to orange in fall |
| Reeves Spirea | Spiraea cantoniensis | White | Mid–late spring | Rounded, arching | 5–8 |
- Another bridal wreath–type, often double blooms - Typically 5–6 ft tall - May retain green leaves in milder climates |
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 Care
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.
