Spirea shrubs are a popular choice for gardens because they are low-maintenance, have showy blooms, and come in a wide range of colors, forms, and cultivars. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, there are over 70 species of spirea. This article will list some of the most popular spirea varieties.
The most common varieties of spirea:
- Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia)
- Japanese Spirea
- Little Princess Spirea
- The Anthony Waterer Spirea
- Thunberg spirea (Spiraea thunbergii)
- Meadowsweet spirea (Spiraea alba)
- White Spirea
- Magic Carpet
- Spirea Blue
- Mist Spirea
- Dark Knight Spirea
- False Spirea
- Snowmound Spirea
- Goldmound Spirea
- Spirea Goldflame
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Is Little Princess Spirea is same as Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica)?
Yes, Little Princess Spirea is a cultivar of Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica). It is a dwarf variety that grows only 2-3 feet tall, while Japanese spirea can grow up to 6 feet tall. Little Princess Spirea also has smaller, pink flowers than Japanese spirea.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between Little Princess Spirea and Japanese spirea:
Feature | Little Princess Spirea | Japanese Spirea |
Height | 2-3 feet | 4-6 feet |
Flower color | Pink | White, pink, red, or purple |
Flower size | Small | Medium |
Flowering time | Late spring to early summer | Summer |
Hardiness | USDA zones 4-9 | USDA zones 3-8 |
Maintenance | Low | Low |
Overall, Little Princess Spirea is a smaller and more compact version of the Japanese spirea. It is a good choice for gardens with limited space or for people who want a low-maintenance shrub.
Is Vanhoutte spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) same as Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia)
Yes, Vanhoutte spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) and Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) are the same plant. They are both deciduous shrubs that are native to China and Japan. They are popular ornamental plants that are grown for their cascading white flowers.
The name “vanhoutte spirea” is more commonly used in the United States, while the name “bridal wreath spirea” is more commonly used in the United Kingdom. However, both names refer to the same plant.
Is False Spirea same as Meadowsweet Spirea
No, “Meadowsweet Spirea” and “False Spirea” are terms that have sometimes been used interchangeably, but they refer to different plants from different genera:
Meadowsweet Spirea: This term is commonly associated with plants from the genus Astilbe. Astilbe plants are known for their feathery plume-like flower clusters and are often used in shaded garden areas.
False Spirea: This term usually refers to the plant Sorbaria sorbifolia, which belongs to the genus Sorbaria. False Spirea is a deciduous shrub with distinct white flower clusters and attractive foliage.
How to choose the right spirea for your garden
When choosing a spirea for your garden, you will need to consider the following factors:
- Size: Spirea shrubs come in a variety of sizes, so you will need to choose one that will fit the space you have available.
- Color: Spirea flowers come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that will complement the other plants in your garden.
- Bloom time: Spirea shrubs bloom at different times of the year, so you can choose one that will add color to your garden during the time of year you want it most.
- Hardiness: Spirea shrubs are hardy in different zones, so you will need to choose one that will survive the winters in your area.
