Spiraea splendens (Rose Meadowsweet)

Noted for its bright pink flowers, Spiraea splendens (Rose Meadowsweet) is a woody deciduous shrub bearing glabrous to finely hairy stems clad with alternate, ovate to elliptical, bright green leaves. The foliage turns golden-yellow in fall. From early summer to early fall, flat-topped clusters, 2 in. wide (5 cm), of tiny, dark-pink to purple flowers, appear at the tips of the branches. Their long stamens give the floral cluster a fuzzy pom-pom look. Sweetly scented, the flowers produce nectar and pollen, which attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. They are followed by tiny dry pods which contain 5 pods-shaped follicles, which burst open in the fall, thus allowing the seeds to disperse. Found in moist meadows, on streambanks, and on open, rocky slopes from southwestern British Columbia to California, Rose Meadowsweet is an attractive addition to the landscape. Its bright pink flowers look lovely in borders or foundation plantings. Rose Meadowsweet provides shelter and food for rabbits, grouse, quail, and other small mammals.

• 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 light shade.
• Perfect choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows, or as a groundcover.
• Attracts birds and butterflies, but is ignored by deer.
• No serious pest and disease problems. Keep an eye out for leaf spots, fireblight, powdery mildew, rots, aphids, leaf roller, and scale.
• Remove spent flower clusters to promote additional bloom.
• Pruning in fall or winter will ensure a heavy bloom next season.
• Propagate by seed. 48 days of cold-moist stratification is recommended. Cuttings are also possible.
• Native from southwestern British Columbia to California.