Bridal-wreath spirea
Spiraea x vanhouttei
Bridal-wreath spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 5–8 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Classic arching white-bloom shrub of older Front Range gardens. Reliable.
On an authoritative Colorado listmedium water5–8 ft tall and 6–10 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Spiraea x vanhouttei
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 5–8 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10 ft apart (7 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids
- Spider mites in heat
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bridal-wreath spirea good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Bridal-wreath spirea is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Bridal-wreath spirea get?
- It matures to about 5–8 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Bridal-wreath spirea?
- Space Bridal-wreath spirea about 10 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 7 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Bridal-wreath spirea hardy on the Front Range?
- Bridal-wreath spirea is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Bridal-wreath spirea need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Bridal-wreath spirea grow?
- Bridal-wreath spirea is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Bridal-wreath spirea native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Bridal-wreath spirea deer-resistant?
- Bridal-wreath spirea is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Bridal-wreath spirea prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Bridal-wreath spirea can be affected by aphids and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Bridal-wreath spirea a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Bridal-wreath spirea works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
- How long does Bridal-wreath spirea bloom?
- Bridal-wreath spirea blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
