Also known as Spirea · 1k gardener saves
Spiraea: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Spiraea, the genus most gardeners know as spirea. We track 36 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Spiraea varieties
Of 36 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedDouble Play Red Spirea
Spiraea x bumalda 'Double Play Red'
#2 most savedBumalda Spiraea Mix
Spiraea x bumalda 'Mix'
#3 most savedHybrid Spirea
Spiraea x hybrida 'Mix'
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet'
Double Play Doozie Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Doozie'
Vanhoutte Spirea
Spiraea x vanhouttei 'Mix'
Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Candy Corn'
Gold Mound Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Gold Mound'
Neon Flash Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Neon Flash'
Pineapple Poprocks Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Golden Select'
Broadleaf Meadowsweet
Spiraea alba
Steeplebush
Spiraea tomentosa
Browse all 36 Spiraea varieties →
How to grow Spiraea
What the Spiraea varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 36 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Spiraea year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and best bloom.
- DeadheadJune and July72% of varieties
Shear off spent flower clusters after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
- FertilizeMarch72% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth begins.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October47% 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 | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| 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. |
| Generally pest-free | This is a tough and reliable shrub with few pest problems. | Good cultural practices like proper siting and watering are usually sufficient. |
| 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 powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
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 36 distinct Spiraea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1k real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
More on Spiraea
Spiraea shows up in
Design with Spiraea in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
