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Spiraea x arguta

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
spy-REE-ah ar-GU-ta
Description

Garland spirea is a medium-sized, deciduous, hybrid, ornamental shrub that resulted from the cross of Spiraea multifora and Spiraea thunbergii. It is multi-stemmed with spreading and arching branches of small narrow elliptic leaves. The shrub is blanketed by snow-white flowers on long unbranched stems in the spring. It is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family.

The genus name, Spiraea, is derived from the Greek word, speira, which means "wreath." This refers to the showy white flowers that are characteristic of most shrubs in this genus,

This hybrid and its parent, Spiraea thunbergii or Thunberg spirea, are very similar. Garland spirea has much longer unbranched or uninterrupted flowering stems, whereas Thunberg spirea has shorter shoots.

Garland spirea prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Once established, this shrub is drought tolerant. It is tolerant of clay, loamy, and sandy soils. The plant can take on an unkempt appearance and does require pruning. Pruning is best done after flowering has been completed. Hard pruning may be required every few years to maintain plant size and appearance. It may be propagated by cuttings or division of its suckers.

Insects and butterflies pollinate the flowers, and deer are not particularly attracted to this shrub.

Garland spirea may be used as an accent shrub or large shrub border. It is best used in an informal setting due to its arching and spreading habit. The abundance of delicate snow-white flowers will add beauty to your spring garden.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring        Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

  • medium-sized deciduous shrub with arching and spreading branches
  • small, narrow, elliptic, simple, green leaves with serrated margins
  • abundant, single, small snow-white flowers on long unbranched stems

Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Garland spirea has no serious insect or disease problems.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

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Tags:
#arching#showy flowers#drought tolerant#white flowers#easy to grow#deciduous shrub#spring flowers#spreading#flowering shrub#spring interest#screening#green leaves#pruning tolerant#dense growth#flowering#hybrid#landscape plant sleuths course
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#arching#showy flowers#drought tolerant#white flowers#easy to grow#deciduous shrub#spring flowers#spreading#flowering shrub#spring interest#screening#green leaves#pruning tolerant#dense growth#flowering#hybrid#landscape plant sleuths course
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Spiraea
    Family:
    Roseacae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Stem Cutting
    Wildlife Value:
    The shrub is pollinated by insects and butterflies.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Easy to Grow
    Screening
    Dimensions:
    Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Dense
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small individual white flowers distributed along arching unbranched stems from April to May.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are small, elliptic, narrow, simple, alternate, and light green. They measure 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches long and 6-12 mm wide. The margins are serrated. The leaves are coppery bronze in the fall.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought