Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush)

Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush) is a suckering deciduous shrub bearing erect, unbranched stems clad with elliptic to ovate, medium to dark green leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), densely hairy beneath. The foliage turns golden-yellow in fall. In mid-summer to early fall, dense plumes, 4-8 in. long (10-20 cm), packed with tiny pink to rose-purple flowers, appear at the tips of the branches. Blooming from top to bottom, the flowers produce nectar and pollen, which attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. It is typically found in the wild in wet prairies and along the edges of streams, marshes, or bogs, Steeplebush is most suitable for naturalistic landscaping. It also does well in cottage gardens where it can grow in full sun yet have its feet wet or moist.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm). This is a vigorous plant that will spread by suckers to form colonies.
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil and light shade, but best flowering occurs in full sun.
• Perfect choice for banks and slopes, cottage gardens, along ponds and streams, rain gardens, or bog gardens.
• 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.
• Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed.
• Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
• Native to northern and Central Europe, eastern United States.