Spirea shrubs, belonging to the Spiraea genus, are deciduous plants known for their graceful, arching branches and clusters of small, delicate flowers that bloom in spring or summer. Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and North America, these versatile shrubs are prized for their adaptability and ornamental value in gardens. Spireas offer a range of sizes, from compact dwarfs under 2 feet to larger varieties over 6 feet, making them suitable for borders, hedges, or specimen plantings.
These shrubs are valued for their multi-season interest, with vibrant fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple, and attractive winter structure provided by their arching branches. Spirea flowers, typically white, pink, or red, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and their low-maintenance nature makes them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. Many cultivars also feature colorful foliage, adding year-round visual appeal.
Spireas are highly adaptable, tolerating a variety of soil types and conditions, though they prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal pruning, though trimming after flowering encourages new growth and maintains shape. Whether used in formal gardens for their neat, tidy appearance or in informal settings for their naturalistic charm, spireas bring seasonal color, texture, and ecological benefits to landscapes, making them a timeless choice for diverse garden designs.
Types of Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Japanese Spirea (*Spiraea japonica*)
Native to Japan, China, and Korea, the Japanese spirea is one of the most popular species, growing to a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread. It features arching branches covered in small, oval, serrated leaves that range from green to golden-yellow, depending on the cultivar. In late spring to early summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of pink, white, or red flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Japanese spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its compact size and colorful foliage make it a versatile choice for modern landscapes.
Bumalda Spirea (*Spiraea x bumalda*)
A hybrid between Spiraea japonica and Spiraea albiflora, the bumalda spirea is a compact shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its foliage emerges with a reddish-bronze tint, maturing to green, and turns vibrant shades of orange, red, or purple in fall. From late spring to midsummer, it produces dense, flat-topped clusters of pink or white flowers, adding a cheerful burst of color. Bumalda spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its small size makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its multi-season interest and adaptability make it a favorite among gardeners.
Bridal Wreath Spirea (*Spiraea prunifolia*)
Known for its cascading, arching branches, the bridal wreath spirea is a classic shrub that grows to about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Native to East Asia, it features small, oval, dark green leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. In early spring, before the leaves fully emerge, it produces clusters of small, double white flowers along its branches, resembling a bridal wreath, hence its name. This spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for foundation plantings, borders, or as a specimen shrub. Its elegant, fountain-like habit adds a romantic, old-fashioned charm to gardens.
Goldflame Spirea (*Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’*)
A vibrant cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Goldflame’ is prized for its striking foliage, which emerges bright golden-yellow in spring, matures to chartreuse in summer, and turns fiery orange-red in fall. Growing to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, this shrub produces flat-topped clusters of deep pink flowers in late spring to early summer, creating a stunning contrast against its colorful leaves. ‘Goldflame’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size and multi-season interest make it perfect for borders, foundation plantings, or as an accent in mixed shrub beds. Its bold foliage adds year-round visual appeal.
Little Princess Spirea (*Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’*)
A dwarf cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Little Princess’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a compact, rounded habit. Its small, oval leaves are a bright green, turning reddish-bronze in fall, and it produces clusters of soft pink flowers in late spring to early summer. This shrub is highly adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its petite size makes it ideal for small gardens, containers, or as a low hedge. ‘Little Princess’ is valued for its neat, tidy appearance and ability to provide seasonal color without overwhelming smaller spaces, making it a favorite for urban gardens.
Neon Flash Spirea (*Spiraea japonica ‘Neon Flash’*)
A striking cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Neon Flash’ is known for its vibrant, neon-pink flower clusters that bloom from late spring to early summer, creating a bold, eye-catching display. Growing to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, this shrub has arching branches and bright green foliage that turns reddish-purple in fall. ‘Neon Flash’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size and vivid blooms make it perfect for borders, foundation plantings, or as a focal point in mixed shrub beds. Its intense flower color adds a lively, modern touch to landscapes.
Vanhoutte Spirea (*Spiraea x vanhouttei*)
A hybrid between Spiraea trilobata and Spiraea cantoniensis, the Vanhoutte spirea is a large, arching shrub that grows to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, with a graceful, fountain-like habit. Its small, oval, dark green leaves turn reddish-purple in fall, and in late spring, it produces abundant clusters of small, white flowers along its branches, creating a stunning, cascading effect. This spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, specimen plantings, or as a backdrop in mixed shrub beds. Its elegant form and profuse blooms make it a classic choice for traditional gardens.
Magic Carpet Spirea (*Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’*)
A dwarf cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Magic Carpet’ grows to about 1.5 to 2 feet tall and wide, with a low, spreading habit that makes it ideal as a groundcover or edging plant. Its foliage emerges reddish-bronze in spring, matures to golden-yellow in summer, and turns fiery red in fall, providing multi-season interest. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of deep pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its colorful leaves. ‘Magic Carpet’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size and vibrant foliage make it perfect for rock gardens, borders, or container plantings.
Snowmound Spirea (*Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’*)
A cultivar of the Nippon spirea, ‘Snowmound’ is a compact shrub that grows to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its small, oval, dark green leaves turn yellow in fall, and in late spring, it produces dense, rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble snowballs, hence its name. This spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. ‘Snowmound’ is valued for its neat, tidy appearance and ability to provide a bright, clean look in spring, adding a fresh, elegant touch to gardens.
Double Play Spirea (*Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play’ Series*)
The ‘Double Play’ series of Japanese spirea cultivars is known for its vibrant foliage and prolific blooms, offering double the visual impact. Growing to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, these compact shrubs feature foliage that ranges from golden-yellow to reddish-purple, depending on the cultivar, and turns brilliant shades in fall. In late spring to early summer, they produce clusters of pink, red, or white flowers that attract pollinators. ‘Double Play’ cultivars thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and their small size and multi-season interest make them perfect for borders, containers, or mixed shrub beds.
Crispa Spirea (*Spiraea japonica ‘Crispa’*)
A unique cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Crispa’ is distinguished by its crinkled, serrated leaves that emerge reddish-bronze in spring, mature to green in summer, and turn reddish-purple in fall. Growing to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this shrub produces clusters of soft pink flowers in late spring to early summer, adding a delicate touch to its textured foliage. ‘Crispa’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size and distinctive leaves make it ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as an accent in mixed plantings. Its unique texture adds visual interest year-round.
Birchleaf Spirea (*Spiraea betulifolia*)
Native to East Asia, the birchleaf spirea is a compact shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its small, oval leaves resemble those of a birch tree, emerging bright green in spring and turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. In late spring to early summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of white flowers that attract pollinators. Birchleaf spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its compact size and vibrant fall color make it a standout choice for smaller gardens.
Anthony Waterer Spirea (Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’)
A popular cultivar of the bumalda spirea, ‘Anthony Waterer’ is a compact shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its foliage emerges reddish-bronze in spring, matures to green in summer, and turns vibrant shades of red and purple in fall. From late spring to midsummer, it produces flat-topped clusters of deep pink flowers that attract pollinators, adding a cheerful burst of color. ‘Anthony Waterer’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its multi-season interest and adaptability make it a favorite for smaller spaces.
Limemound Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Limemound’)
A dwarf cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Limemound’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a compact, mounded habit. Its foliage emerges bright lime-green in spring, matures to chartreuse in summer, and turns golden-orange in fall, providing year-round visual appeal. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of soft pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its vibrant leaves. ‘Limemound’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its petite size makes it perfect for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its bright foliage adds a fresh, modern touch to landscapes.
Thunberg Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii)
Native to East Asia, the Thunberg spirea is a graceful, arching shrub that grows to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, with slender, willow-like branches. Its small, narrow, bright green leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange in fall, and in early spring, it produces clusters of small, white flowers along its branches, creating a delicate, airy effect. This spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, specimen plantings, or as a backdrop in mixed shrub beds. Its elegant form and early blooms add a refined, seasonal charm to gardens.
Firelight Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Firelight’)
A striking cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Firelight’ is known for its fiery foliage, which emerges bright red in spring, matures to golden-yellow in summer, and turns deep red in fall. Growing to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this shrub produces clusters of deep pink flowers in late spring to early summer, creating a bold contrast against its colorful leaves. ‘Firelight’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size and vibrant foliage make it perfect for borders, foundation plantings, or as an accent in mixed shrub beds. Its dramatic color shifts add year-round interest.
Glow Girl Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia ‘Glow Girl’)
A cultivar of the birchleaf spirea, ‘Glow Girl’ is a compact shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its small, oval leaves emerge bright yellow in spring, mature to chartreuse in summer, and turn golden-orange in fall, providing multi-season interest. In late spring to early summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of white flowers that attract pollinators. ‘Glow Girl’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its bright foliage and compact size make it a standout choice for smaller gardens.
Shirobana Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Shirobana’)
A unique cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Shirobana’ is distinguished by its bicolor flower clusters, featuring both pink and white blooms on the same plant, creating a striking, variegated effect. Growing to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this shrub has arching branches and bright green foliage that turns reddish-bronze in fall. The flowers appear from late spring to early summer, adding a playful, whimsical touch to gardens. ‘Shirobana’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its dual-color blooms add visual intrigue.
Tor Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor’)
Another cultivar of the birchleaf spirea, ‘Tor’ is a compact shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its small, oval leaves emerge bright green in spring, turn yellow in fall, and are complemented by flat-topped clusters of white flowers in late spring to early summer. ‘Tor’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its neat, tidy appearance and vibrant fall color make it a reliable choice for smaller gardens, offering seasonal interest without overwhelming the space.
Candlelight Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Candlelight’)
A dwarf cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Candlelight’ grows to about 1.5 to 2 feet tall and wide, with a compact, mounded habit. Its foliage emerges bright yellow in spring, matures to chartreuse in summer, and turns golden-orange in fall, providing year-round visual appeal. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of soft pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its vibrant leaves. ‘Candlelight’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its petite size makes it perfect for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its bright foliage adds a cheerful, modern touch to landscapes.
Flaming Mound Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Flaming Mound’)
A compact cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Flaming Mound’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a mounded, bushy habit. Its foliage emerges bright red in spring, matures to golden-yellow in summer, and turns fiery red in fall, offering dramatic color shifts throughout the seasons. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of deep pink flowers that add a bold contrast to its colorful leaves. ‘Flaming Mound’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as an accent in mixed shrub beds. Its vibrant foliage adds year-round interest.
Nippon Spirea (Spiraea nipponica)
Native to Japan, the Nippon spirea is a compact shrub that grows to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its small, oval, dark green leaves turn yellow in fall, and in late spring, it produces dense, rounded clusters of white flowers that attract pollinators. This spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its neat, tidy appearance and profuse blooms make it a reliable choice for adding a bright, clean look to gardens in spring, enhancing landscapes with its elegant simplicity.
Superstar Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Superstar’)
A compact cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Superstar’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its foliage emerges reddish-bronze in spring, matures to green in summer, and turns vibrant shades of red and purple in fall, offering multi-season interest. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of deep pink flowers that attract pollinators, adding a bold burst of color. ‘Superstar’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a low hedge. Its compact size and vibrant colors make it a standout choice for smaller gardens.
Alpina Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Alpina’)
A dwarf cultivar of the Japanese spirea, ‘Alpina’ grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, with a low, spreading habit that makes it ideal as a groundcover or edging plant. Its small, oval leaves are bright green, turning reddish-bronze in fall, and in late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of soft pink flowers that add a delicate touch to its compact form. ‘Alpina’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its petite size makes it perfect for rock gardens, borders, or container plantings. Its low-growing habit and seasonal color make it a versatile choice for smaller spaces.