What hardiness zones is Spiraea × vanhouttei suitable for?

Spiraea × vanhouttei is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Spiraea × vanhouttei?

Spiraea × vanhouttei requires Full Sun.

How much water does Spiraea × vanhouttei need?

Spiraea × vanhouttei has Low water needs.

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Deciduous Shrubs

Spiraea vanhouttei

Vanhoutte spirea

Rosaceae

Garden hybrid (S. cantoniensis × S. trilobata)

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitSpreading

FoliageDeciduous

Height6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)

Width6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m)

Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Spiraea x vanhouttei is a large, vigorous deciduous shrub reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall with a spread of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m), developing a broad, vase-shaped to fountaining form with dramatically arching branches that sweep toward the ground. This is the largest of the commonly grown spireas and the classic 'bridal wreath' of older gardens. A hybrid of S. cantoniensis × S. trilobata, introduced in the mid-19th century. Leaves are alternate, simple, rhombic-ovate, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) long, 3-5-lobed or coarsely toothed, dark blue-green above, blue-green beneath. Fall color is variable, typically dull yellow to brownish-purple, not a strong feature. Flowers are small, white, 5-petaled, borne in dense, rounded clusters (umbels) of 15-25 along the entire length of the previous year's arching branches in April to May. In full bloom, flowers completely obscure the foliage — the branches appear as cascading white arches, creating one of the most spectacular spring displays of any flowering shrub. Blooms on old wood. Growth rate is fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Not classified as invasive. Long-lived and durable.

Native Range

Garden hybrid origin (Spiraea cantoniensis × Spiraea trilobata), created by French nurseryman Louis Van Houtte circa 1862. Parent species are native to China and northern Asia respectively.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, informal hedge, screen, or background plant where its large size and cascading spring bloom can be displayed, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. The dramatic spring flowering display is unmatched among spring-blooming shrubs. Effective as an informal boundary or property screen. The arching form is attractive near water features. Requires ample space — not suitable for small gardens or foundation plantings. For smaller spaces, use S. nipponica 'Snowmound' or S. thunbergii.

How to Identify

Identified by the large, vase-shaped to fountaining form with dramatically arching branches, small rhombic-ovate blue-green leaves with 3-5 lobes or coarse teeth, and dense rounded clusters of white flowers along the entire branch length in spring. Distinguished from S. nipponica 'Snowmound' by much larger size (6-10 vs 3-5 feet), more dramatically arching branches, and lobed (not entire) leaves. Distinguished from S. thunbergii by larger size, wider leaves (not willow-like), and later bloom (April-May vs March-April).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'

Width/Spread6' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Dense rounded clusters of white flowers along the entire length of arching branches in April to May, lasting 2-3 weeks. The display is among the most spectacular of any spring-blooming shrub — flowers can completely obscure the foliage. Blooms on the previous year's wood (old wood). In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically coincides with mid-spring bulbs and dogwoods.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Dark blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun for the heaviest flowering; tolerates part shade but with reduced bloom. Tolerates a wide range of soils including poor, dry conditions. Essentially pest- and disease-free. This is one of the most adaptable, durable flowering shrubs available. Allow adequate space — this is a large shrub that should not be sheared into a small space.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering in May to June — blooms on old wood. Thin oldest canes (more than 5 years) at the base, retaining 8-12 vigorous canes. Shorten flowered shoots to strong lateral buds. Maintain the naturally arching form; avoid shearing into a formal shape, which destroys the graceful character and reduces flowering. Rejuvenate severely overgrown plants by cutting to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the ground in late winter — sacrificing one season of bloom for vigorous renewal.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic