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Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea)

Birchleaf Spirea, White Spirea, Shiny Leaf Spirea, White Meadowsweet

Spiraea betulifolia, Birchleaf Spirea, White Spirea, Shiny Leaf Spirea, White Meadowsweet, White Flowers, Gold Foliage

Virtually indestructible, Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea) is a compact, rounded, deciduous shrub with multi-season interest. In early to late summer, a profusion of small, flat clusters of tiny white flowers cover the foliage of birch-like, round to egg-shaped, dark green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). The flowers produce nectar and pollen, which attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. In the fall, the leaves turn glowing orange, red and purple shades, adding sparkle to the late-season garden. Easy care, this flowering shrub is perfect as a specimen plant or massed in rock gardens, low hedges for paths and walkways, and also incorporates well into foundation plantings.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
  • Perfect choice for borders, foundation plantings, low hedges, and rock gardens.
  • Attracts butterflies, but is ignored by deer.
  • No serious pest and disease problems. Watch for leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.
  • Very little maintenance is needed.
  • Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
  • Native to Japan and eastern Asia. There are two varieties that are native to the North America: Spiraea betulifolia var corymbosa (Shinyleaf Meadowsweet) is native to eastern North America (Pennsylvania south to Alabama and Georgia), whereas Spiraea betulifolia var. lucida (Shinyleaf Spirea) is native to western North America (British Columbia to Saskatchewan south to Oregon, Wyoming and Minnesota).

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Spiraea
Common names White Spirea, Spirea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Montana, Wyoming
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea)
Spiraea splendens (Rose Meadowsweet)
Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush)
Spiraea alba (White Meadowsweet)
Spiraea × vanhouttei ‘Pink Ice’ (Vanhoutte Spirea)
Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor’ (Birchleaf Spirea)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
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Native Plant Alternatives to Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea)
Native Plant Alternatives to Spiraea prunifolia (Bridal Wreath)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Spiraea
Common names White Spirea, Spirea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Montana, Wyoming
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Spiraea (Spirea)
Not sure which Spiraea (Spirea) to pick?
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