Species

Spiraea x bumaldaBumald Spirea

5 other cultivars

shrub

Froebel Bumald Spirea

Spiraea x bumalda 'Froebelii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea x bumalda is a hybrid deciduous shrub known for its flattened clusters of flowers and attractive foliage. It is a cross between S. japonica and S. albiflora.

'Froebelii' is a vigorous cultivar with reddish-purple new foliage in spring that matures to blue-green. It produces abundant carmine-rose flowers and often has attractive fall color.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides multi-season interest with its colorful spring foliage, abundant summer flowers, and attractive fall color. Its compact, mounding habit makes it a versatile landscape shrub.

It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance mass plantings, borders, or low informal hedges. Its tolerance of a wide range of conditions makes it a reliable performer.

The flat-topped flower clusters are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

SpeciesSpiraea x bumaldaBumald Spirea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun for best color and flowering.
Plant in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

For the best foliage color and most prolific blooms, prune the entire shrub back to 6-8 inches from the ground in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun exposure.
Prune annually in late winter or early spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Water during extended periods of drought.

Don't

Don't plant in deep shade, which leads to poor flowering and color.
Avoid waterlogged soils.
Don't prune after new growth begins in spring, as it blooms on new wood.
Don't let it dry out completely in its first year.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful low hedge or borderVibrant mass plantingFoundation planting with seasonal interest

Companion Plants

Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'Nepeta 'Walker's Low'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Froebel Bumald Spirea questions

What zones can Froebel Bumald Spirea grow in?

Froebel Bumald Spirea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Froebel Bumald Spirea deer resistant?

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

When does Froebel Bumald Spirea bloom?

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

Does Froebel Bumald Spirea need full sun?

Froebel Bumald Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Froebel Bumald Spirea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Froebel Bumald Spirea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.