Garland Spirea Spiraea x arguta

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