Alphabetical Plant Listing

Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea)

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


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).

Not sure which Spiraea - Spirea to pick?
Compare All Spiraea - Spirea

Buy Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea)

Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Spiraea - 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)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Northeast, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Buy Plants

Guides with Spiraea - Spirea


By Oksana Akhtanina, Shutterstock

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Spiraea - 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)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Northeast, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Guides with Spiraea - Spirea

Plant Calculator

How many Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.