Spiraea x vanhouttei (Bridal Wreath Spiraea)
Michael's Opinion
Bridal Wreath Spiraea is a late spring flowering shrub that is very, hardy easy to grow and requires very little care. Masses of small, white flowers cover the whole plant in the spring when it blooms. This makes it a prefect background for garden beds or mixed borders. It not only is it a beautiful accent to your garden in the spring but it also turns an attractive purple hue in the autumn, making it a perfect addition to the garden.
Botanical Information
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Spiraea |
| Species | x vanhouttei |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (deciduous) |
| References | Beck, Alison and Kathy Renwald Spiraea x vanhouttei Tree and Shrub Gardening for Ontario (2001): 283 Dirr Micheal A. Spiraea x vanhouttei (Broit) Zab.- Vanhoutte Spiraea Manual of Woody Landscape plants Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses (1998) 964 |
| Origin | Native to Canada, China and United States. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4 - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -40 - (-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | -40 - 20 |
| Height | 1.5 - 2.5 m |
| Spread | 2 - 3 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Round and arching. |
| Landscape | Hedges, foundations, border planting and specimen planting. |
| Propagation | Softwood cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Full sun and partial-shade. Average, medium moisture and well-drained soil. |
| Pests | Susceptible to leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale. Deer tolerant. |
| Notable Specimens | The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Buds are divergent and form on stems and are 3 - 6 mm in size. |
| Leaf Description | Small, rhombic to obovate, coarsely serrated leaves that are 3 - 4 cm long and have 3 - 5 lobes. |
| Flower Description | Tiny flowers that are 8 mm in diameter and appear in umbellate clusters that are 5 cm wide and cover the leafy branching. |
| Fruit Description | Follicles that are 3 - 4 mm and persist throughout the winter. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are dark bluish-green that develop purple hues in autumn. The stems are brown. The flowers are white with a brown follicle. |
| Texture Description | Fine texture. |
Photographs
