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It produces delicate clusters of tiny white and pink buds.The bridal-wreath, or Vanhoutte spirea, is a spring-blooming shrub that can grow between six to eight feet tall and spread out to 10 to 12 feet wide. It features a unique fountain-like growth, with a rounded top and gracefully arching branches that reach the ground, covered with bunches of small white flowers. Its leaves are small and greenish-blue, turning rich plum in the autumn.
How to grow: While the shrub thrives in medium shade, it flourishes best in full sunlight, leading to more blooms. It is adaptable to most soil types. For optimal health, prune one-third of the old flowering branches each year after blooming ends.
Uses: The bridal-wreath is an ideal accent plant, perfect for informal hedges, privacy screens, or as part of mixed shrub borders.
Related species: The garland spirea (Spiraea x aguta) shares similarities with the bridal-wreath, though it has less drooping branches and a fuller bloom of flowers in the spring. The bumalda spireas (Spiraea x bumalda) are summer-blooming varieties, producing flowers ranging from pink to white.
Scientific name: Spiraea vanhouttei
Interested in learning more? Check out these:
- Landscape Shrubs. Create defined spaces and highlight your favorite plants with these adaptable shrubs. They are categorized by type and season.
- Evergreen Shrubs. These plants stay green throughout the year, adding a splash of color to winter gardens, particularly in northern regions.
- Types of Shrubs. Shrubs serve as effective elements for defining boundaries and adding privacy to your garden, while also offering protection. Explore the various shrub options available here.
