Meadowsweet Spiraea alba

Meadowsweet is a native deciduous shrub in the Roseaceae (rose) family that is typically found in the eastern portion of North America including North Carolina. It  grows naturally in bogs, swamps, wet meadows, along stream banks, and shore areas. Boasting fragrant flowers and a beautiful yellow fall color.

Growing in both full sun and part shade, however to grow at its best, locate this plant in full sun.  It is sensitive to heat and does not perform well in dry conditions. 

Its young branches are green and hairless.  As the branches age, they become brown and woody.  Its upper side of the foliage is medium green, while the underside is a pale green.  

It 1/4" flowers bloom from the top downward.  Flowers have 5 petals and many long stamens that surround a center ring.  The ring ranges in color from orange to pink to yellow.  Long stamens are fuzzy in appearance.  Removing flower clusters after they are finished blooming will promote additional blooms.  Pruning can be accomplished in the winter months.  

This shrub is a larval host as well a nectar source for a variety of pollinators including the Spring azure (Celastrina ladon) butterfly so is at home in a children's, cottage, or rain garden.  It works well mass planted in a border, used as a hedge, or planted along a walkway or lawn.  Use it as an accent plant near a patio or pond and enjoy the showy fragrant blooms all summer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Typically disease and insect free.  Some issues affecting meadowsweet are leaf spot, aphids, scale, powdery mildew, and fireblight.