Tor Spirea

Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'

$29⁹³

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Fall Color/Interest, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Hedge/Screen, and Non-invasive

Specifications

Botanical Name

Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'
Height

2-3 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Growing Zones

4-8
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Yellow, Orange & Purple
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for a location with at least six hours of direct sun daily to maximize bloom production and get the best red/maroon fall foliage color. While partial shade is acceptable, you should expect the flower clusters to be a bit smaller and the autumn color to be less vibrant.
Soil: Tor Spirea is very adaptable but thrives in well-drained, average soil with a neutral pH. If you have heavy clay, work in a generous amount of well-aged compost or pine bark fines to improve the air pockets and drainage. For sandy soil, incorporating compost helps the soil hold onto the necessary moisture and nutrients.

Watering Requirements

Water the shrub deeply twice a week for the first growing season to ensure it develops a strong, deep root system. Once established, Tor Spirea is reliably drought-tolerant, only requiring extra water during prolonged periods of summer heat without rain. Inconsistent watering during the spring and early summer can stress the plant, potentially leading to wilting and smaller overall flower clusters.

Pruning Tips

Tor Spirea is one of the types that blooms on old wood, meaning the flower buds form on the stems from the previous year. The best time to prune is immediately after the spring flowers have completely faded, typically in late spring or early summer. Use a thinning technique by cutting the oldest, thickest stems all the way back to the ground, which rejuvenates the entire plant and improves air circulation. Do not prune in the fall or winter, as you would be removing all the flower buds for the next season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, around the drip line in early spring just as you see new growth emerging. This is a light feeder, and this single annual application is generally enough to support its dense, mounding habit and heavy blooming. What you must avoid is using a high-nitrogen fertilizer in late summer, because it encourages soft, weak new growth that will likely be damaged when winter arrives.

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Splashy Three-Season Interest Tor Spirea

Step aside Hydrangeas and Lilac bushes - there's a new star in the garden spotlight! Tor Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'), also called Birchleaf Spirea, is a compact deciduous shrub that shines from spring through fall. This flowering bush offers a trifecta of garden beauty: deep green foliage, clouds of petite white summer blooms, and a fiery fall foliage display. Pollinators adore it, deer avoid it, and gardeners fall in love with its low-maintenance charm.

In spring, Tor Spirea bursts with fresh, glossy green foliage on its neat, low-mounded form. Summer brings a flurry of dainty white blossoms that smother the plant, attracting butterflies and beneficial insects. Then autumn arrives with a dazzling finale as leaves turn glowing shades of orange, red, and purple, rivaling even the flashiest shrubs for seasonal color. Compact, tidy, and brimming with charm, Tor Spirea is a must-have flowering bush for any landscape.

A native of Northern Asia and Siberia, Tor Spirea belongs to the Rose family, making it a close cousin to Roses, Apple trees, and other landscape favorites. Culturally, Spirea shrubs have been admired for centuries for their refined form and reliable performance. Today, modern gardeners prize Tor Spirea for its effortless care and long-lasting seasonal display.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Key Features

Deep green spring and summer foliage
Petite clusters of white flowers loved by butterflies
Brilliant fall foliage in orange, red, and purple
Compact, low-mounded form
Deer-resistant and very easy care
Perfect for borders, foundations, and rock gardens

Landscaping Uses

With its compact, rounded form, Tor Spirea fits beautifully into modern landscapes, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly yards. Reaching about 2 feet tall and wide, it’s a versatile choice for front-yard curb appeal or backyard accents.

Foundation plantings against homes and patios
Low hedges or informal borders
Accents in perennial beds or mixed shrub groupings
Rock gardens and modern landscape designs
Large patio planters for seasonal displays
Pollinator gardens to attract butterflies

Care & Maintenance

Tor Spirea thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. This mixed perennial border shrub is sun-loving, cold-hardy, and a tough-as-nails choice for modern gardens. Once established, it requires minimal upkeep yet delivers maximum beauty.

Planting Time: Spring or fall for best results
Sun Requirements: Full sun for strongest blooms and color
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, but tolerates a range of conditions
Moisture Needs: Medium moisture; use the Finger Test to check soil moisture; water regularly the first year
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch over the root zone
Fertilization Needs: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring; compost is beneficial
Pruning Info: Blooms on new wood - prune in late winter/early spring; deadhead or shear after flowering to encourage fresh growth
Special Perks: Deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, cold-hardy, low-maintenance

Don’t forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support.

Tor Spirea: A Tiny Shrub With Huge Appeal

With its three seasons of color, compact size, and carefree nature, Tor Spirea is the perfect shrub to elevate any landscape. This pollinator-friendly beauty is an easy choice for gardeners who want year-round curb appeal without the fuss. Order your Tor Spirea today from Nature Hills Nursery, and we’ll deliver directly to your doorstep at the right planting time for your zone!

FAQs

Is Tor Spirea deer resistant?
Yes, deer usually avoid Tor Spirea, making it a reliable choice in areas with browsing pressure.

Does Tor Spirea need full sun?
Yes, full sun ensures the best blooms and the brightest fall foliage color, although it can tolerate light shade.

How big does Tor Spirea get?
Tor Spirea stays compact, maturing around 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, making it great for smaller spaces.

When should I prune Tor Spirea?
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, and shear lightly after flowering to keep it tidy.

Does Tor Spirea attract pollinators?
Yes, the petite white flowers are loved by butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Tor Spirea

Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Specifications