Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea)
Noted for its vigor, Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea) is a clump-forming, suckering shrub with narrowly oblong leaves that are dark green above, velvety white underneath, and turn yellow in fall. In early summer, long plumes of fragrant, rose-pink flowers, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), are on display at the tips of the branches. Perfect for wild plantings near streams and moist areas.
Noted for its vigor, Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea) is a clump-forming, suckering shrub with narrowly oblong leaves that are dark green above, velvety white underneath, and turn yellow in fall. In early summer, long plumes of fragrant, rose-pink flowers, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), are on display at the tips of the branches. Perfect for wild plantings near streams and moist areas.
- Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). A rampant shrub that in time can form a dense thicket. Remove suckers promptly to prevent plants from spreading.
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Needs consistent moisture. Soils should not be allowed to dry out.
- Perfect choice for borders, banks and slopes, hedges, cottage gardens, rain gardens, and near ponds and streams.
- Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
- Native to Western North America
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Spiraea – Spirea |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
| Spacing | 60″ – 72″ (150cm – 180cm) |
| Water Needs | Average, High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Missouri, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Southeast, Tennessee |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |