Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Spirea (Spiraea)
Also known as : Steeplebushes
Spirea are hardy shrubs that usually have clusters of small flowers. They bloom in spring or mid-summer, depending on the variety, and many species are cultivated as ornamental plants in temperate regions. The foliage provides a food source for many animals, including moths, blue grouse, and deer.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Spirea
Feedback
Attributes of Spirea
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
2 m
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Spirea
Distribution of Spirea
Feedback
Distribution Map of Spirea
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Spirea
Feedback
The genus spirea, largely shrubs, has a medium overall care profile. Ideally, it needs full sun exposure and regular watering, but not excess, since it's tolerant of different soil types and prefers temperatures between 60-75°F. Common challenges include aphids, scale and mildew. In winter, spirea enters dormancy and requires less watering, while in spring, it benefits from basic pruning to improve airflow and light penetration. In the warmer seasons, increased vigilance for pests is needed.
How to Water Spirea?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spirea?
How to Propagate Spirea?
How to Plant Spirea?
Exploring the Spirea Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Baby's breath spirea
Baby's breath spirea (Spiraea thunbergii) is a deciduous flowering shrub native to Asia. Baby's breath spirea grows on hillsides of hills. This species grows best in full sunlight.
Japanese meadowsweet
Japanese meadowsweet is considered by many to be an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly, creating a dense thicket or hedge. The species traces its roots to Japan, Korea, and China and was introduced in other areas because of its attractive flowers. Use caution when planting to make sure that this shrub can be managed appropriately.
Bridalwreath spirea
Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis) is a plant species native to China. Bridalwreath spirea is generally cultivated as an ornamental plant used on the borders of gardens. Spiraea cantoniensis is also known by the common names Bridalwreath spirea, Double White May, and Cape May.
Bridal wreath spirea
Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) is a flowering tree native to China Korea and Japan. Bridal wreath spirea is considered easy to grow and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It blooms in spring.
Rose spirea
Roses is a plant species in the Rose family. It grows best in direct sunlight and is often cultivated for use in floral arrangements in vases. When displayed in a vase, slits should be cut in the stems, so they absorb water and the blossoms last longer for floral display.
White meadowsweet
White meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) is a perennial shrub that grows from 91 to 183 cm tall. Pyramidal clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers blossom from summer through fall attracting butterflies and birds. Brown fruit appears after blossoms fall off. Grows well in sunny or partly shady locations.
Asian meadowsweet
Asian meadowsweet (Spiraea trilobata) is a hardy deciduous shrub that grows in a variety of soil types under full sun or partial shade. Its native range is central and eastern Asia, but its value as a garden plant has seen it spread throughout most of the world. Asian meadowsweet produces scores of small flowers that tend to attract butterflies.
Willowleaf meadowsweet
Willowleaf meadowsweet (Spiraea salicifolia) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow to 1.8 m tall. It is often found in bogs or wet woodlands. It has twiggy branches and small simple leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
All Species of Spirea
Baby's breath spirea
Baby's breath spirea
Baby's breath spirea (Spiraea thunbergii) is a deciduous flowering shrub native to Asia. Baby's breath spirea grows on hillsides of hills. This species grows best in full sunlight.
Japanese meadowsweet
Japanese meadowsweet
Japanese meadowsweet is considered by many to be an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly, creating a dense thicket or hedge. The species traces its roots to Japan, Korea, and China and was introduced in other areas because of its attractive flowers. Use caution when planting to make sure that this shrub can be managed appropriately.
Bridalwreath spirea
Bridalwreath spirea
Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis) is a plant species native to China. Bridalwreath spirea is generally cultivated as an ornamental plant used on the borders of gardens. Spiraea cantoniensis is also known by the common names Bridalwreath spirea, Double White May, and Cape May.
Bridal wreath spirea
Bridal wreath spirea
Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) is a flowering tree native to China Korea and Japan. Bridal wreath spirea is considered easy to grow and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It blooms in spring.
Rose spirea
Rose spirea
Roses is a plant species in the Rose family. It grows best in direct sunlight and is often cultivated for use in floral arrangements in vases. When displayed in a vase, slits should be cut in the stems, so they absorb water and the blossoms last longer for floral display.
White meadowsweet
White meadowsweet
White meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) is a perennial shrub that grows from 91 to 183 cm tall. Pyramidal clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers blossom from summer through fall attracting butterflies and birds. Brown fruit appears after blossoms fall off. Grows well in sunny or partly shady locations.
Asian meadowsweet
Asian meadowsweet
Asian meadowsweet (Spiraea trilobata) is a hardy deciduous shrub that grows in a variety of soil types under full sun or partial shade. Its native range is central and eastern Asia, but its value as a garden plant has seen it spread throughout most of the world. Asian meadowsweet produces scores of small flowers that tend to attract butterflies.
Willowleaf meadowsweet
Willowleaf meadowsweet
Willowleaf meadowsweet (Spiraea salicifolia) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow to 1.8 m tall. It is often found in bogs or wet woodlands. It has twiggy branches and small simple leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
Germander meadowsweet
Germander meadowsweet
Germander meadowsweet is a shrub native to Eurasia and introduced to other areas where it is sometimes considered invasive. This shrub produces showy clusters of small white flowers from spring through fall. This shrub makes great borders and is easy to care for.
Vanhouttei Spirea
Vanhouttei Spirea
Vanhouttei Spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) is a popular plant for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings. This species adores sunlight, so grow it in a place where it can soak up the sun’s rays. It thrives best in medium-moisture, well-drained soils. It’s a highly deer-resistant plant, but butterflies will be attracted to it in droves.
Fritsch spiraea
Fritsch spiraea
Fritsch spiraea is the single-flowered version of Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia). The double-flowered version was discovered first, so fritsch spiraea was named as a variety plant. Fritsch spiraea is the wild variety of this species, while var. Prunifolia is the cultivated variety. Simpliciflora translates to “simple flower.”
Steeplebush
Steeplebush
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa) is a flowering plant species native to eastern North America. Steeplebush grows best in wet soil and full sunlight. This species is also commonly known as meadowsweet and hardhack.
Rose meadowsweet
Rose meadowsweet
Rose meadowsweet is a small woody shrub native to the mountains of the western United States. In the summer, rose meadowsweet produces fragrant puffs of fuzzy pink flowers. This member of the rose family grows well in cold, moist areas.
Iberian meadowsweet
Iberian meadowsweet
It is a deciduous shrub, which can reach a size between 50 to 100 cm in height, with numerous arched branches that give a hanging to the plant.
White meadowsweet
White meadowsweet
The Gamander Spierstrauch is a 1 to 1.5 meter high, stream-forming shrub. The branches are initially brownish to reddish brown and later gray-brown, thin, sometimes curved, slightly angled and bare. The buds are long ovate, pointed, glabrous or hairy fluffy on the edges of the scales. They form two bud scales. The leaves are divided into petiole and leaf blade.
Russian spiraea
Russian spiraea
The Carpathian Spierstrauch is an upright, up to 2 meters high shrub. The branches are thin, more or less stalk-round, not striped, bare or nearly bare. They are initially reddish brown and later turn grayish brown to blackish brown. The buds are brownish, ovate, 1 to 3 millimeters long, bald and pointed. They form several bud scales.
Fortune meadowsweet
Fortune meadowsweet
Fortune meadowsweet are hardy shrubs that produce clusters of small pink flowers that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Its seeds spread in water, making it common along riverbanks. It has been classed as an invasive species in certain parts of the world
White meadowsweet
White meadowsweet
White meadowsweet is a fascinating plant that brings beauty and value to gardens. With its clusters of delicate white flowers and feathery leaves, it adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. But what makes it truly captivating are its interesting facts: 1.Garden Usage: Meadowsweet is a popular choice for ornamental gardens due to its attractive foliage and abundant blooms, which attract butterflies and bees. 2.Medicinal Benefits: Historically, meadowsweet has been used for its medicinal properties. So, whether you're looking to enhance your garden or explore natural remedies, white meadowsweet is a plant worth considering.
Japanese meadowsweet 'Anthony Waterer'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Anthony Waterer'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Anthony Waterer' offers carmine-red flowers that bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Foliage emerges with a red-purple color, matures to blue-green, and turns red in fall. This Japanese meadowsweet cultivar was named after the nurseryman at the Knapp Hill Nursery. Gardeners favor this cultivar as it is generally disease free and is particularly resistant to powdery mildew.
Spiraea pubescens
Spiraea pubescens
Spiraea pubescens is a deciduous shrub that typically exhibits clusters of small, pink or white blooms that add a splash of color to gardens in late spring to early summer. Its young stems and leaves have a soft, downy texture, which is the source of its species name. This plant thrives in well-drained soil and can spread to form natural thickets, often utilized by gardeners for low borders or as part of a flowering hedge.
Tosa spirea
Tosa spirea
Tosa spirea, whitened under sunlight, dazzles with clusters of refreshing white flowers during early summer. When not in bloom, its gently arching branches are veiled in bluish-green leaves, introducing a soothing visual rhythm to the landscape. Gleaming in moonlight or raindrops, this radiant, low-maintenance shrub beautifully bridges the seasons, while playing a crucial role in erosion control, valuing both beauty and utility.
White spirea 'Tor'
White spirea 'Tor'
White spirea 'Tor' is a compact deciduous shrub, boasting clusters of small white flowers that emerge in spring. It features resilient, birch-like leaves that transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, or purple in autumn. This hardy plant thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is often found brightening up gardens or naturalized areas.
Japanese meadowsweet 'Shirobana'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Shirobana'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Shirobana' is a vibrant deciduous shrub with a bushy, mounded form, typically reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height and width. It boasts small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of delicate flowers ranging in color from white to pink, blooming profusely in summer. Adaptable to various soil conditions, japanese meadowsweet 'Shirobana' thrives best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, contributing to its versatility in landscaping.
Spiraea blumei
Spiraea blumei
Spiraea blumei is a hardy deciduous shrub with clusters of small, delicate white to pink flowers that bloom in spring. Its leaves are typically lance-shaped and serrated, exuding a fresh, green appearance. Adaptable to various soils, spiraea blumei thrives well in both sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for garden hedges and ornamental landscaping. The plant's compact growth habit allows it to contribute to ecosystem diversity by providing shelter and food for pollinators.
Spirea 'Pink Ice'
Spirea 'Pink Ice'
Where most spirea have green leaves, spirea 'Pink Ice' stands out for its unusual and eye-catching foliage. This plant has pale green leaves that are covered in white markings and a pinkish tinge. The leaves do look as if they have been touched with a pink frost and this creates a delightful garden spectacle. For gardeners, this plant makes a great specimen plant and also grows well as hedging or in borders.
Spirea 'Grefsheim'
Spirea 'Grefsheim'
Known for its early blooms and twigging habit, the spirea 'Grefsheim' is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit. The spirea 'Grefsheim' provides an option for gardeners looking to plant in soils with drought and erosion and can be grown in borders, hedges, slopes, walkways, and gardens.
Chinese spirea
Chinese spirea
Chinese spirea is a deciduous shrub recognized for its cascading clusters of tiny, five-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. Generally growing up to 2 meters tall, its foliage transforms into vibrant autumn hues before shedding. Ideal in temperate regions, chinese spirea flourishes in well-drained soils and full sunlight, contributing to its resilience and popularity in ornamental horticulture.
Japanese meadowsweet 'Firelight'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Firelight'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Firelight', a Japanese meadowsweet cultivar, offers coppery orange-red leaves that turn to green-yellow in summer and then a vibrant burnt-red in the fall (thus the "firelight" name). In addition to sporting showy colors, this cultivar is disease and pest-resistant and attractive to pollinators.
Fritsch's spirea
Fritsch's spirea
Fritsch's spirea is a bushy, erect, deciduous shrub native to East Asia. It has lovely green foliage that typically turns attractive colors of amber to crimson and multiple small white flowers that entice butterflies. Its genus name Spiraea is derived from the Greek word “speira” meaning “wreath,” referring to the colorful bunches of flowers that are abundant on the majority of the genus' shrubs.
Tosa spirea 'Snowmound'
Tosa spirea 'Snowmound'
Tosa spirea 'Snowmound' is a charming deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun to light shade. It's celebrated for its graceful, arching branches that become smothered in small, white flowers resembling a snowdrift in late spring. Tosa spirea 'Snowmound' typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 2.5 meters, preferring well-drained soil. Its resilience and low maintenance make it a favorite for gardeners looking to create a stunning springtime display.
Golden fountain spirea
Golden fountain spirea
Golden fountain spirea are hardy shrubs that usually have clusters of small flowers. They bloom in spring or mid-summer, depending on the variety, and many species are cultivated as ornamental plants in temperate regions. The foliage provides a food source for many animals, including moths, blue grouse, and deer.
Spirea 'Goldflame'
Spirea 'Goldflame'
The lovely spirea 'Goldflame', a cultivar of Spirea, sports red-bronze leaves in spring that mature to yellow-green and turn stunning shades of orange, yellow and red in autumn (thus the "goldflame" title). Apart from being a showy ornamental, it is favored by gardeners for its ability to attract butterflies and its resistance to browsing by deer.
Japanese meadowsweet 'Gold Mound'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Gold Mound'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Gold Mound' has a mound-like shape and offers lovely gold-yellow foliage in spring, which turn yellow-green in summer and yellow-orange in fall. It is a cultivar of Japanese meadowsweet and is named for its appearance. Gardeners favor this cultivar as it is generally resistant to diseases and pests..
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Spirea
Spiraea
Also known as: Steeplebushes
Spirea are hardy shrubs that usually have clusters of small flowers. They bloom in spring or mid-summer, depending on the variety, and many species are cultivated as ornamental plants in temperate regions. The foliage provides a food source for many animals, including moths, blue grouse, and deer.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Spirea
Feedback
Attributes of Spirea
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
2 m
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Spirea
Distribution of Spirea
Feedback
Distribution Map of Spirea
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Spirea
Feedback
The genus spirea, largely shrubs, has a medium overall care profile. Ideally, it needs full sun exposure and regular watering, but not excess, since it's tolerant of different soil types and prefers temperatures between 60-75°F. Common challenges include aphids, scale and mildew. In winter, spirea enters dormancy and requires less watering, while in spring, it benefits from basic pruning to improve airflow and light penetration. In the warmer seasons, increased vigilance for pests is needed.
How to Water Spirea?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spirea?
How to Propagate Spirea?
How to Plant Spirea?
Exploring the Spirea Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Baby's breath spirea
Baby's breath spirea (Spiraea thunbergii) is a deciduous flowering shrub native to Asia. Baby's breath spirea grows on hillsides of hills. This species grows best in full sunlight.
Japanese meadowsweet
Japanese meadowsweet is considered by many to be an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly, creating a dense thicket or hedge. The species traces its roots to Japan, Korea, and China and was introduced in other areas because of its attractive flowers. Use caution when planting to make sure that this shrub can be managed appropriately.
Bridalwreath spirea
Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis) is a plant species native to China. Bridalwreath spirea is generally cultivated as an ornamental plant used on the borders of gardens. Spiraea cantoniensis is also known by the common names Bridalwreath spirea, Double White May, and Cape May.
Bridal wreath spirea
Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) is a flowering tree native to China Korea and Japan. Bridal wreath spirea is considered easy to grow and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It blooms in spring.
Show More Species
All Species of Spirea
Baby's breath spirea
Japanese meadowsweet
Bridalwreath spirea
Bridal wreath spirea
Rose spirea
White meadowsweet
Asian meadowsweet
Willowleaf meadowsweet
Germander meadowsweet
Vanhouttei Spirea
Fritsch spiraea
Steeplebush
Rose meadowsweet
Iberian meadowsweet
White meadowsweet
Russian spiraea
Fortune meadowsweet
White meadowsweet
Japanese meadowsweet 'Anthony Waterer'
Spiraea pubescens
Tosa spirea
White spirea 'Tor'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Shirobana'
Spiraea blumei
Spirea 'Pink Ice'
Spirea 'Grefsheim'
Chinese spirea
Japanese meadowsweet 'Firelight'
Fritsch's spirea
Tosa spirea 'Snowmound'
Golden fountain spirea
Spirea 'Goldflame'
Japanese meadowsweet 'Gold Mound'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
