Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

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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

Guides with Spiraea - Spirea

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