White Spirea

(Spiraea betulifolia)

White Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia)

Ulf Eliasson

CC BY 2.5

Image By: Ulf Eliasson

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Ulf Eliasson | License Type: CC BY 2.5 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5 | Uploader: Epibase | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Spiraea_betulifolia1UME.jpg | Notes: Uploaded a work by Nikolaus Joseph Jacquin from Selectarum stirpium americanarum Historia sur http://www.botanicus.org/item/31753002894886 with UploadWizard |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Spiraea betulifolia, commonly known as White Spirea, is a deciduous shrub native to the cool temperate regions of the Russian Far East, Northeast China, Japan, and Korea, where it is found in a variety of habitats including forest edges, alpine areas, and open woodlands. It typically grows to a height of 60 cm (2 feet) and is noted for its dense, rounded habit and fine-textured foliage that resembles birch leaves. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers in late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The specific epithet ’betulifolia’ refers to its birch-like leaves, not to be confused with ’grandiflora’ which suggests large flowers.

White Spirea is valued for its ease of maintenance, adaptability to various soil types, and its use in mass plantings, borders, and as a low hedge. It is also appreciated for its fall color when the leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but is quite adaptable to different moisture levels. ’Early Sunrise’, a notable cultivar, has been recognized for its garden performance with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Cool temperate forest edges, alpine areas, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Björkspirea, 둥근잎조팝나무

Scientific Names: , Spiraea betulifolia, Spiraea betulifolia var. betulifolia, Spiraea betulifolia f. glaucina, Spiraea betulifolia f. grandifolia, Spiraea betulifolia var. oblanceolata, Spiraea lobata, Spiraea betulifolia f. yoshitakae, Spiraea betulifolia var. concolor, Spiraea betulifolia var. grandifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Spiraea betulifolia Pall.