BRIDAL WREATH SPIRAEA - SPIRAEA PRUNIFOLIA

Common Name: Bridal Wreath spirea

Scientific Name: 
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Spiraea
Species: prunifolia

Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 4 to 8 ft
Width: 4 to 8 ft

Common Characteristics: 

Bridal wreath spirea, also known as old-fashioned bridal wreath spiraea because it can be found growing in older landscapes. It has a moderate growth rate culminating in an open, leggy, and loose form. The bark on the bridal wreath spiraea is smooth and shiny brown. The stems can have a zig-zag arrangement. The leaves are in an alternate arrangement and 1-2 inches long. They are elliptical in shape with finely-toothed margins. The leaves are dark green in the summer, turning yellow to purple in the autumn. Small, showy white flower clusters bloom from March through April and turn into dry brown follicles that remain on the shrub throughout the winter.

Where it Grows:

Bridal wreath spiraea grows easily in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It can tolerate light shade, a wide range of soils, and some drought.  Prune as needed immediately after flowering.

How it's Used:

This shrub is primarily used in landscapes in foundations, borders, sunny woodland margins. It is a great flowering specimen/accent shrub.

Ecosystem Services:

Insect pollinators and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.

Where it is Native to:

Bridal wreath spiraea is native to China, Korea, and Japan.

Problems:

​​S. prunifolia is susceptible to fireblight, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. They are also prone to suckering.

References:

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Morton Arboretum

bridal wreath spiraea flowers