Spiraea alba is a native deciduous shrub known for its upright narrow form and soft white spires of blooms that appear in mid to late summer. It thrives in moist soils and is especially valuable in naturalistic plantings and rain gardens. Its finely toothed green leaves turn golden in fall extending its interest beyond bloom season and providing important habitat structure for native insects and birds.
Height & Spread: 24 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained to wet soils; tolerates periodic flooding
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; appreciates consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant once established
Native Status
Spiraea alba is native to eastern North America especially in wet meadows, streambanks, and woodland edges. It supports a variety of native wildlife and contributes to regional biodiversity.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts native bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees with its midsummer nectar and pollen.
Butterflies
- Visited by hairstreaks, sulphurs, and skippers seeking midseason nectar sources.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory wasps and syrphid flies that help control pest populations in surrounding plantings.
Birds
- Shrubby structure offers cover for sparrows, warblers, and other nesting songbirds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to allow natural upright spread and airflow in groupings or hedgerows.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent in rain gardens, naturalistic meadow plantings, low hedgerows, and streamside restorations.
Companion Plants
- Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) - Brilliant blue flower spikes create vertical rhythm and seasonal overlap.
- Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) - Tall white flower clusters blend seamlessly and support similar pollinator communities.
- Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) - Thrives in similar moist environments and adds striking blue tones to contrast Spiraea's white blooms.
- Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) - Clumping sedge enhances wetland texture and anchors the base of larger native shrubs.
- Verbena hastata (Blue Vervain) - Adds purple spires and thrives in the same consistently moist soil conditions.