Spiraea cantoniensis

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Growth habit resembles the old Bridal-wreath Spirea. It gets 4-6' tall and wide, with a mounded, rounded habit and gracefully arching branches. Very fast growing.

Native Range

Native to China, and Japan. Introduced in 1824

Flower and Fruit Details

2" single, white flower clusters (corymbs) of smaller, 1/2" individual flowers cover the bush in early to mid-spring, usually in April. Rarely, flowers are pinkish-white. Flowers have a light, sweet fragrance. Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Fruit is a dry, brown follicle, not ornamental, but remaining on the plant through the winter.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Small, 1-2.5" long by 1/2-3/4" wide leaves are alternate, simple, rhombic-lanceolate, serrate, dark green on top, pale blue-green beneath. New growth may have a slight orange to red tinge, turning to green. Petiole 1/3" long. Usually has little to no fall color, with leaves remaining blue-green until late in the season. Reddish-brown, wiry, thin stems.

Culture and Care

Prune right after flowering, if needed to maintain a lower height; otherwise, no pruning needed. Zones 5-9. Easy to grow. Prefers full sun (best) to part shade, in pH 6.6-7.5 soil pH. It is fairly drought/heat-tolerant, but prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Few serious insect or disease problems, but may occasionally encounter powdery mildew, aphids, caterpillars and root-knot nematodes.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Listed as deer resistant. 3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall. The tender flower buds and early-emerging leaves may be injured by a late spring freeze. This straight species is rarely encountered, but its double-flowered cultivars are much more common, especially in southern gardens. This is one of the parents of the Vanhoutte Spirea.

Suggested Uses

Makes a good specimen shrub, or in a mixed shrub border or small groupings. Dried flower clusters are also used in floral arrangements. Also used for mass plantings, shrub borders, along fence lines, or as a foundation plant.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA