Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Steeplebush or Spiraea tomentosa has tall, unbranched stems and small lavender-pink flowers bloom in clusters near the top, creating a cone-like appearance. The blooms at the ends of the branches open first, and flowers gradually open in ascending order. Flowers start to bloom in early July and last through August. Long, oval-shaped foliage is dark green and transitions to yellow in the fall.
This plant has an upright growth habit and a naturally rounded form. Steeplebush can handle full sun and damp growing conditions, making it an ideal plant along a stream or near a pond or marsh. Create a flowering border or prevent erosion along a slope or embankment while adding color and texture. Bees and butterflies will flock to the sweet nectar-filled blooms, while small birds and animals will take shelter in the tall, dense growth. Steeplebush is native to the eastern U.S. and grows as a perennial in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Steeplebush Care
Plant in full sun as this plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight to flourish. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Steeplebush can handle wet feet, and the soil can retain moisture, but it should promote drainage. This plant has medium to high water needs but will not need much assistance if grown in damp conditions. Fertilize using a balanced plant food in the spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Steeplebush forms shoots or suckers that grow near the base of the plant. These growths are a form of division, and the plant will fill in a large area if the shoots are left to grow. The shoots steal energy and resources from the main plant, so some gardeners remove them by pulling them from the ground or trimming them from the plant as soon as they appear. Shape the shrub as needed in late winter or early spring.
Steeplebush Spacing
Steeplebush is an upright, deciduous perennial that will reach 3 to 6 feet tall and wide. Plants can be grown 3 to 5 feet apart to create a lush and dense look.
Steeplebush Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink, Purple
- Flower Description
- Pink, Purple
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Steeplebush
- Botanical Name
- SPIRAEA TOMENTOSA
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!