Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg Spirea)
Thunberg Spirea, Breath of Spring Spirea, Baby’s Breath Spirea
Noted for its spectacular spring blossoms, Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg Spirea) is a dense, twiggy, upright, deciduous shrub with gracefully outward-arching branches. In mid to late spring, abundant clusters of tiny white flowers line the slender, naked branches producing an incredible pretty display. The foliage of small, narrow light green leaves turns yellow in fall, sometimes tinged soft reddish-brown. Highly popular for its wealth of white blossoms, Thunberg Spirea is an easy care shrub that is perfect for foundation plantings and hedges.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade as well as a wide range of soil conditions. Some drought tolerance once established.
- Perfect choice for borders, foundation plantings, hedges, banks and slopes or as a specimen plant.
- 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.
- Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer
- Native to China, Japan
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Spiraea - Spirea |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 60" (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
paylessimages / chiropoko / 123RF Stock Photo
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 | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Spiraea - Spirea |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 60" (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |