PSC 2620: Woody Trees and Shrub | Course Home | Week 2 |
Small clusters of white blossoms emerge in late spring. | The somewhat ovate leaves have anywhere between 3-5 irregularly formed lobes. The margins are serrated. | The cascading form is especially beautiful when it is in bloom. Image: Wikipedia.org |
This medium-large sized shrub (8 feet tall and 12 feet wide) is a true heritage variety, and it is a testament to its beauty and hardiness that it has remained popular for well over a hundred years. The shape of the shrub is defined by its graceful weeping branches giving it a fountain-like shape.
Unlike other species of Spiraea small umbels of white flowers, instead of corymbs, completely cover the shrub while in bloom . It is without a doubt one of the most showy blooming shrubs. One inch long leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves have 3 or 5 lobes, though they are ill-defined and can blend in with the irregular serration on the leaf edge.
Good for use as an accent plant because of its excellent flowering.
Although very hardy, Spiraea x vanhouttei is susceptible to ornamental damage from leaf spot and powdery mildew.