shrubN. America Native

Steeplebush

Spiraea tomentosa

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

High

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea tomentosa, commonly known as steeplebush or hardhack, is a native deciduous shrub found in eastern North America. It is characterized by its dense, cone-shaped spires of pink to rose-purple flowers and woolly, brownish stems. This species is particularly adapted to moist or wet, acidic soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, and damp meadows. Its common name 'steeplebush' perfectly describes the upright, steeple-like flower clusters.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Steeplebush offers unique textural interest with its woolly stems and fuzzy leaves, crowned by dense, steeple-shaped spires of vibrant pink flowers in mid-summer, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Its tolerance for wet soils and suckering habit make it an excellent choice for erosion control on moist banks and for stabilizing soil in rain gardens and along stream edges.

As a native plant, it is a superb resource for pollinators, attracting a wide variety of bees, wasps, and butterflies. It provides valuable late-season nectar.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with consistently moist to wet, acidic soil.
Amend soil with peat moss or compost if it's not acidic enough.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water thoroughly after planting and do not allow the soil to dry out.
Prune back hard in late winter to encourage fresh, flowering stems.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in late winter to about 6-12 inches from the ground to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistently moist or wet soil.
Plant in acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
Cut back stems in late winter for best form and flowering.

Don't

Don't plant in dry or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces flowering.
Don't let the plant dry out, especially during establishment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Naturalistic planting for wet areasRain garden and bioswale componentPollinator-friendly border shrub

Companion Plants

Asclepias incarnata Eupatorium maculatum Iris versicolor Cephalanthus occidentalis Lobelia cardinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Steeplebush questions

What zones can Steeplebush grow in?

Steeplebush 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 Steeplebush deer resistant?

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

When does Steeplebush bloom?

Steeplebush 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 Steeplebush need full sun?

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