| PSC 2620: Woody Trees and Shrub | Course Home | Week 2 |
Spiraea x vanhouttei - Vanhoutte or Bridalwreath Spirea
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| Small clusters of white blossoms emerge in late spring. | The somewhat ovate leaves have anywhere between 3-5 irregularly formed lobes. The margins are serrated. | The cascading form is especially beautiful when it is in bloom. Image: Wikipedia.org |
Plant Description
This medium-large sized shrub (8 feet tall and 12 feet wide) is a true heritage variety, and it is a testament to its beauty and hardiness that it has remained popular for well over a hundred years. The shape of the shrub is defined by its graceful weeping branches giving it a fountain-like shape.
Unlike other species of Spiraea small umbels of white flowers, instead of corymbs, completely cover the shrub while in bloom . It is without a doubt one of the most showy blooming shrubs. One inch long leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves have 3 or 5 lobes, though they are ill-defined and can blend in with the irregular serration on the leaf edge.
Landscape Use
Good for use as an accent plant because of its excellent flowering.
Points of interest
Although very hardy, Spiraea x vanhouttei is susceptible to ornamental damage from leaf spot and powdery mildew.