Thunberg’s Meadowsweet

(Spiraea thunbergii)

Thunberg’s Meadowsweet (Spiraea thunbergii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Spiraea thunbergii, commonly known as Thunberg’s Meadowsweet, is a deciduous shrub native to the hillsides, open woodlands, and stream banks of Japan and Korea. It was introduced to China. It typically grows to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in height and width, featuring slender, arching branches that give it a delicate appearance. The small, white flowers are clustered in umbels and bloom profusely in early spring, creating a showy display. The narrow, linear leaves are bright green, turning yellow in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

Thunberg’s Meadowsweet is valued for its graceful form, profuse spring blossoms, and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is often used in mixed borders, as a foundation planting, or in cottage gardens. This shrub is hardy and relatively low-maintenance, thriving in full sun to part shade. It prefers well-drained soil but is tolerant of various soil conditions. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. The Royal Horticultural Society has recognized it with the Award of Garden Merit for its qualities. However, gardeners should be aware that Spiraea thunbergii can spread aggressively by suckering, potentially becoming invasive in some regions outside its native range. It is advisable to check local guidelines before planting to prevent ecological disturbances.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrubs
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

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, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Hillsides, open woodlands, and stream banks of East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Thunberg’s Spiraea, Thunberg-Spierstrauch, Spirée De Thunberg, 가는잎조팝나무, Zhen Zhu Xiu Xian Ju, Yuki-Yanagi, Kogome-Bana, Thunb’s Meadowsweet

Scientific Names: , Spiraea thunbergii, Spiraea crenata, Spiraea thompsoni,

GBIF Accepted Name: Spiraea thunbergii Siebold ex Blume