Spirea 101: Discover the Basics of the Spirea

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

Why Gardeners Love Spirea

A super popular, smaller flowering shrub, in which we have seen an explosion of new selections over the years, because of its versatility. There has been much hybridization and many cultivars released because of the great and varied sizes, colors, and multi-seasonal interest.

Nature Hills sells two different types of Spirea:

Smaller selections that re-bloom
Larger growers that bloom early and are done for the year

Spirea are hardy and easy to grow, and some of the older cultivars have been around since the early 1900s and are still being grown today.

Top Spirea Varieties Available at Nature Hills

Bridal Wreath Spirea

Let's start with the larger growing selections that all sport white flowers and a mass of blooms in May or early June, depending upon where they are grown. If you are anywhere in the upper Midwest, you will probably have seen the old-fashioned Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea x Vanhouttei) that typically blooms at the end of May or around Memorial Day. Due to this bloom time, many cemeteries have planted hedges of them that have remained for decades.

White clusters of flowers are neatly arranged all along the stems from the tips all the way down into the plant.
The effect makes it look like a wild snowstorm has flocked the plant with fresh, white snow.
Because they bloom on last year's stems, prune as soon as the bloom is finished.
They can be cut all the way down to the ground if they get too large, allowing new stems to grow and bloom the following year.
If you prune them in summer or fall, you will remove all the next season's flowers.
The Bridal Wreath reaches about 8' tall and 6-8' wide with a fountain-like appearance.

Grefsheim Spirea

Renaissance stays slightly smaller, getting 6-7' tall and 5-6' wide, and is very free-flowering. Those two selections make outstanding hedges left untrimmed, lacy, and natural.

Then there is a finer-textured and smaller growing spring-blooming Spirea called Grefsheim. Although Grefsheim is a different species, it rocks.

Smaller leaves and very dainty white flowers line the entire stem.
Grefsheim works beautifully in mass plantings, as a foundation plant, or as an untrimmed hedge maintained at 3-4'.

Last, the Snowmound, blooms all along the entire stem from the tip into the center of the plant again in late May or early June. Prune immediately after flowering for success the following spring. This selection is a bit coarser and makes a rounded 5-foot plant, great for an untrimmed hedge.

Froebelii Spirea

The other group of Spirea includes several different species and some hybrids but many cultivars. Flowers are borne in mostly flat-topped clusters and are typically 3' or so. The flowers are born on the tips of each stem. The plants are very forgiving and ask very little: sun, a haircut occasionally, and some additional moisture during periods of drought.

This group stays smaller, ranging from 15" high and wide to 3-4' high and wide.
Leaf color varies greatly, with foliage emerging in oranges, reds, bright yellow, and greens.
Flowers range from white to pink to red and everything in between.
Once the first round of flowers fades, trim the spent blooms and enjoy another round.
Birds and bees love the flowers, and they make great cut flowers too.

Dakota Goldcharm Spirea

Small and very manageable plants are very colorful from the minute they leaf out. They produce great summer foliage and a myriad of fall colors to finish the show.

Spirea makes great foundation plants because of their smaller size.
They work well in mass plantings for open areas or embankment plantings.
They are great edging plants or front-of-the-border choices.

Why Spirea Deserves a Spot in Your Landscape

Many Shrub Roses and perennials work well with Spirea. Groundcovers and groundcover Junipers also make great pairings. The forms and colors vary greatly, and so does the list of Spirea that we sell.

Spirea earns its popularity with dependable growth, a wide array of sizes and colors, easy care, and multi-season interest. They fit beautifully into modern yards, classic plantings, and everything in between. These shrubs may be simple, but they sure know how to show off.

Happy Planting!

Previous Next

Frequently Asked Questions

When do spirea bloom?

Spirea bloom times depend on the variety: larger spring-blooming types like Bridal Wreath Spirea flower in May or early June (around Memorial Day in the upper Midwest), while smaller re-blooming varieties flower throughout the growing season. Spring bloomers produce their spectacular white flower clusters on the previous year's wood, creating a dramatic one-time show. For spring-blooming spirea, prune immediately after flowering ends to ensure next year's blooms, since pruning later in summer or fall removes the developing flower buds.

How long does spirea bloom?

Spirea bloom duration depends on the type you choose. Larger spring-blooming varieties like Bridal Wreath Spirea produce a spectacular mass of white flowers for 2-3 weeks in May or early June, then finish blooming for the year. Smaller re-blooming spirea varieties flower repeatedly throughout the growing season from late spring through fall. For extended color, select re-blooming cultivars, or plant both types to enjoy flowers from May through the first frost.

Is spirea a perennial?

Spirea is a woody perennial shrub, not an herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter. These hardy shrubs maintain their woody structure year-round and can live for decades, with some cultivars from the early 1900s still thriving today. Depending on the variety, spirea ranges from compact 3-4 foot specimens to larger 8-foot specimens like Bridal Wreath Spirea. Choose your spirea based on available space and whether you prefer spring-only bloomers or repeat-flowering varieties for extended seasonal interest.

How to care for spirea bushes?

Spirea bushes are hardy and easy to grow, thriving in most garden conditions with minimal care. For larger spring-blooming varieties like Bridal Wreath, prune immediately after flowering finishes since they bloom on last year's wood - pruning later in summer or fall removes next season's flowers. Smaller reblooming types can be pruned in late winter or early spring. Water regularly during establishment and provide full sun to partial shade for best flowering performance.

Are spirea evergreen?

No, spirea are deciduous shrubs that lose their leaves in fall and go dormant through winter. They are hardy perennials that return each spring with new foliage and blooms. Most spirea varieties are cold hardy in zones 3-8, depending on the specific cultivar. Plant them in full sun to partial shade for best flowering performance and seasonal interest.

How to prune protea?

I notice there's a mismatch between your question about pruning protea and the provided article, which focuses on Spirea shrubs. The article doesn't contain any information about protea plants or their pruning requirements. To write an accurate FAQ answer about pruning protea, I would need an article or context that specifically covers protea care and maintenance. Could you please provide the correct article about protea, or would you like me to answer a question about pruning Spirea instead, which is covered in the provided content?

How much sunlight does spirea need?

Spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and compact growth. Plants grown in too much shade will become leggy with reduced bloom production. While spirea can tolerate some morning shade, afternoon sun is essential for the best flower display. Plant your spirea in a location that receives morning to mid-day sun for the most vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

What type of soil does spirea prefer?

Spirea thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, with a pH between 6.0-7.0. These hardy shrubs tolerate poor soils and drought conditions once established, making them excellent choices for low-maintenance landscapes. They perform best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in heavy clay soils.

How do you plant spirea?

Plant spirea in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade, spacing them according to their mature width (5-8 feet apart for larger varieties like Bridal Wreath, 3-4 feet for compact types). Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, then backfill with native soil and water thoroughly. Spring or fall planting works best in zones 3-8, allowing roots to establish before extreme temperatures. Choose your location carefully since mature spirea can reach 6-8 feet tall and wide depending on the variety.

How far apart should spirea plants be spaced?

Spirea spacing depends on the variety and your intended use. For larger types like Bridal Wreath Spirea (8' wide) or Grefsheim Renaissance (5-6' wide), space plants 4-6 feet apart for hedging or 6-8 feet apart for specimen plantings. Smaller reblooming varieties typically need 3-4 feet between plants. Check your specific cultivar's mature width and space accordingly to allow proper air circulation and room for growth.