Also known as Spirea · 1.2k saves
Spiraea
Spiraea, the genus most gardeners know as spirea. We track 41 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Spiraea varieties
See all 41 Spiraea varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Spiraea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Spiraea in Sow
Save the Spiraea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Spiraea
Whats common across all Spiraea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Spiraea year
- PruneFebruary and March98% of varieties
Prune to shape in late winter; it flowers on new wood.
- DeadheadJune and July68% of varieties
Shear off spent flower clusters after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
- FertilizeMarch65% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth begins.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October43% of varieties
Plant container stock in early spring or early fall.
Do
- Water during extended periods of drought.
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Prune annually in late winter or early spring.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second, smaller bloom.
Avoid
- Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it blooms on new wood.
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
What goes wrong with Spiraea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Colonies on soft new shoots, with sticky residue below | Hose them off; damage is rarely more than cosmetic |
| Leaf roller | Leaves rolled and bound with silk, with feeding damage inside | Pick off and destroy rolled leaves as they appear |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Apply insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves, can cause some defoliation. | Usually not serious. Clean up fallen debris. Ensure good air circulation. Fungicides are rarely necessary for this tough native. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery fungus on leaves, especially in humid weather. | Ensure good air circulation. Apply horticultural oil or a fungicide. Most modern cultivars have good resistance. |
| Leaf Spot | Small, dark spots on leaves, which may yellow and drop prematurely. | Improve air circulation by pruning. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Apply a copper-based or chlorothalonil fungicide if severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White floury coating on the leaves in humid, still conditions | Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering |
Making more Spiraea
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in early summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a moist, sterile potting mix.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity; roots form in 4-6 weeks.
Division
- Dig up mature shrub in early spring
- Divide root clump into sections with a sharp spade
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Spiraea questions
How many types of Spiraea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 41 distinct Spiraea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.2k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Spiraea grow in?
Across its varieties, Spiraea covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Spiraea bloom?
Most Spiraea varieties bloom in late spring to summer, summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Spiraea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.