Spiraea × vanhouttei (Vanhoutte Spirea)
Noted for its spectacular spring blossoms, Spiraea × vanhouttei (Vanhoutte Spirea) is a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with gracefully arching, almost pendulous branches. In mid to late spring, abundant clusters of tiny white flowers line the arching leafy stems producing a dependable display every spring. The foliage of small, diamond-shaped leaves has a distinctive blue-green color and may turn purplish in fall. Highly popular for its fresh early foliage and wealth of white blossoms, Vanhoutte Spirea is a fast-growing and easy-care shrub that is perfect for foundation plantings and hedges.
Noted for its spectacular spring blossoms, Spiraea × vanhouttei (Vanhoutte Spirea) is a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with gracefully arching, almost pendulous branches. In mid to late spring, abundant clusters of tiny white flowers line the arching leafy stems producing a dependable display every spring. The foliage of small, diamond-shaped leaves has a distinctive blue-green color and may turn purplish in fall. Highly popular for its fresh early foliage and wealth of white blossoms, Vanhoutte Spirea is a fast-growing and easy-care shrub that is perfect for foundation plantings and hedges. Introduced in 1862, this hybrid spirea (S. trilobata x S. cantoniensis) is regarded by many as the best spirea ever introduced.
- Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 7-10 ft. wide (210-300 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, 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 Canada, China, United States
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 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, A1, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Spiraea – Spirea |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 5' – 8' (150cm – 240cm) |
| Spread | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
| Spacing | 84″ – 120″ (210cm – 300cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |