shrubN. America Native

Broadleaf Meadowsweet

Spiraea alba

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea alba, or Meadowsweet, is a native North American deciduous shrub that thrives in moist to wet conditions. It is known for its upright habit and conical clusters of white flowers. This species is a key ecological plant, supporting a huge diversity of pollinators. It spreads by suckers to form dense thickets, making it excellent for naturalizing, erosion control on banks, and use in rain gardens.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

In a naturalistic or wild garden setting, Meadowsweet provides beautiful plumes of white flowers in mid-summer. The dried seed heads persist through winter, adding texture and interest to the landscape.

Its dense, suckering root system makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing soil on stream banks and slopes. It is a workhorse in rain gardens, helping to filter runoff and absorb excess water.

Spiraea alba is an ecological powerhouse, attracting a vast array of native bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. It is a host plant for the larvae of the Spring Azure butterfly and provides cover for birds and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with consistently moist or wet soil.
This plant is not fussy about soil type, tolerating clay and sand.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
Allow space for it to spread and form a natural thicket.

Pro Tip

Embrace its suckering habit in a naturalistic setting; don't fight it. It's perfect for filling a damp, sunny area where other shrubs might fail.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide a location with ample moisture; it loves wet feet.
Plant in full sun for the most robust growth and flowering.
Allow it to naturalize and spread in appropriate areas.
Prune in late winter if you need to control its size or shape.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, upland garden sites; it will struggle.
Don't expect a tidy, formal shape; it has a wild habit.
Avoid planting it in a small, tidy border where its suckering will be a nuisance.
Don't remove the spent flower heads, as they provide winter interest.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Essential rain garden componentNaturalized stream bank stabilizerPollinator-attracting prairie planting

Companion Plants

Asclepias incarnata Eupatorium maculatum Lobelia siphilitica Panicum virgatum Iris versicolor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Broadleaf Meadowsweet questions

What zones can Broadleaf Meadowsweet grow in?

Broadleaf Meadowsweet is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Broadleaf Meadowsweet deer resistant?

Yes — Broadleaf Meadowsweet is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Broadleaf Meadowsweet bloom?

Broadleaf Meadowsweet typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Broadleaf Meadowsweet need full sun?

Broadleaf Meadowsweet does best in full sun (6+ hours).