Spirea ‘Bridal Wreath’

Spiraea × vanhouttei ‘Bridal Wreath’

Characteristics

Culture

Arching stems and blue-green foliage make Spirea ‘Bridal Wreath’ a handsome shrub from spring to frost. It’s an old favorite for borders and hedging. In spring clusters of white flowers decorate the cascading branches. Widely adaptable and tolerant of mild drought when established. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Spirea ‘Bridal Wreath’ tolerates light shade, a wide range of soils, and some drought. Water the plants once a week during the summer whenever rainfall is less than 1 inch. Prune as needed immediately after flowering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Spiraea × vanhouttei, called Vanhoutte Spirea or Bridal Wreath, is a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with branching that arches gracefully toward the ground. Commonly found in the United States, it is a hybrid cross between S. trilobata x S. cantoniensis. It typically grows 5-8’ tall with a spread to 7-10’ wide. It is particularly noted for its showy spring bloom. Tiny white flowers (each to 1/3” diameter) appear in late April to May in umbellate clusters (to 2” wide) that profusely cover the leafy branching. Small, rhombic to obovate, coarsely serrate, dark blue-green leaves (to 1.5” long) may have or at least suggest 3-5 lobes. Fall color is usually undistinguished, but attractive purplish hues may sometimes develop.

Genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus. Specific epithet honors Belgian nurseryman, L. B. Van Houtte (1810-1876).

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to many of the diseases and insects that attack other rose family members, including leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.

Garden Uses

Hedges, foundations, borders, sunny woodland margins. Excellent flowering specimen/accent.