Tor Spirea
Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Tor Spirea - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50 | $9.99 |
$50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
$100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
$150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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 Highlights
Tor Spirea highlights at a glance!
-
Brand
-
Botanical Name
-
Characteristics
-
Mature Height
-
Mature Spread
-
Sun ExposureFull Sun
-
Moisture
-
Soil
-
Growth RateMedium
-
Fall Color
-
Pollinator Required
-
Pruning Time
-
Bloom PeriodLate Spring

Growing Zones
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.