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Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea)

Western Spirea, Steeple Bush, Hardhack, Pink Spiraea, Rose Spiraea

Spiraea douglasii, Pink Flowers, Western Spirea, Steeple Bush, Hardhack, Pink Spiraea, Rose Spiraea
Spiraea douglasii, Pink Flowers, Western Spirea, Steeple Bush, Hardhack, Pink Spiraea, Rose Spiraea

Noted for its vigor, Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea) is a clump-forming, suckering shrub with narrowly oblong leaves that are dark green above, velvety white underneath, and turn yellow in fall. In early summer, long plumes of fragrant, rose-pink flowers, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), are on display at the tips of the branches. Perfect for wild plantings near streams and moist areas.

  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). A rampant shrub that in time can form a dense thicket. Remove suckers promptly to prevent plants from spreading.
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Needs consistent moisture. Soils should not be allowed to dry out.
  • Perfect choice for borders, banks and slopes, hedges, cottage gardens, rain gardens, and near ponds and streams.
  • Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
  • Native to Western North America

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Spiraea
Common names Spirea, Hardhack
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 60" - 72"
(150cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Midwest, Missouri, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Tennessee, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea)
Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush)
Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea)
Spiraea splendens (Rose Meadowsweet)
Spiraea alba (White Meadowsweet)
Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ (Japanese Spirea)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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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 5 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Spiraea
Common names Spirea, Hardhack
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 60" - 72"
(150cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Midwest, Missouri, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Tennessee, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Spiraea (Spirea)
Not sure which Spiraea (Spirea) to pick?
Compare Now

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