Spirea

Spiraea spp.

 

Spireas are very graceful bushes that vary in size and colors. They are very tough plants that are fairly drought tolerant.

They are deciduous mounding bushes that flower abundantly. They like well drained soils but are very tough and will grow just about anywhere. They are moderate growers.

 

Vanhoutte spirea (Bridal Wreath)

 

Bridal Wreath is a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with branching that arches gracefully toward the ground. It is a hybrid cross between S. trilobata x S. cantoniensis. It typically grows 5-8’ tall with a spread to 7-10’ wide. It is particularly noted for its showy spring bloom. Tiny white flowers appear in late April to May in umbellate clusters (to 2” wide) that profusely cover the leafy branching. Fall color is usually undistinguished, but attractive purplish hues may sometimes develop. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade, a wide range of soils and some drought. Prune as needed immediately after flowering.

 

Spirea cantoniensis 'Lanceata'( Double Reeves)

 

Mounded shrub with graceful arching branches. Abundant double white flowers April-May. Moderate to rapid growth. Height 6-8 ft, spread 10-12ft. Drought tolerant and very hardy.

Double Reeves spirea is a deciduous shrub. This Spirea has an upright growth habit with arching branches with dark blue green foliage. In late spring to early summer Spiraea cantoniensis is covered with beautiful miniature rose-like double white clusters. This Spirea reaches a nearly equal height and width of 4 - 6 feet.

 

Spirea bumalda 'Anthony Waterer'

 

Spiraea x bumalda is a hybrid between selections of S. japonica. This spirea is a summer bloomer with a low shrubby growth habit. Anthony Waterer is a dwarf cultivar and can grow to a height of 3-4 feet with a 4-5 foot spread. The foliage is deciduous with a wine-red to maroon tinged new growth in the fall. The blooms are grown in flat clusters that are rose pink from late spring into the summer. The Anthony Waterer is used as a great border for shrubs.