9 fantastic spiraeas
Spiraea ‘Arguta’ AGM
This is one of the taller spiraeas. In spring, saucer-shaped white flowers open in arrangements called corymbs. This is a good choice for the back of a border, and if plants grow too large they respond to thorough pruning immediately after flowering. H&S: 8ft (2.5m).
S.j. ‘Candlelight’ AGM
The soft-yellow foliage lasts well through spring and summer and makes a subtle and complementary backdrop to clusters of deep rosy-pink summer flowers. Leaves turn red before they fall. Plant in threes to create a patch of colour. H&S: 24in (60cm)
S. nipponica ‘Snowmound’ AGM
A medium to large fast-grower, whose arching branches of oval, blue-green leaves are covered in midsummer by bowl-shaped white flowers. From a distance, the shrub really does appear to have caps of snow sitting on the branches. H&S: 6ft (1.8m).
S. japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’
Japanese spiraeas are well known for moderate height and clusters of pink summer flowers. The leaves of this old favourite from 1890 are bronze-red, but turn bright-green with age. They make a good backdrop for clusters of carminepink summer flowers. H&S: 5ft (1.5m).
S. j. ‘Shirobana’
The white Japanese spiraea is unusual in producing clusters of both white and pink flowers on the same plant during summer. The plant often appears to be decorated by white, pale and darker pink flower clusters simultaneously. HxS: 30x24in (75x60cm).
S.j. Zen Spirit Caramel
This very colourful and compact Japanese spiraea will keep you beguiled all summer. Young foliage emerges a bright caramel, settling to a lively mix of red, orange and green. Pink blooms open during summer. H&S: 24in (60cm).
S. cinerea ‘Grefsheim’ AGM
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This compact, medium-sized shrub of arching, wand-like stems is liberally covered in spring by white flowers. For the rest of the season, small grey-green leaves will act as a soothing background for other summer flowers. H&S: 5ft (1.5m).
S.j. Zen Spirit Gold
This compact new spiraea makes a dense, naturally rounded mass of golden-yellow leaves joined in late spring and early summer by pink flowers. A good plant for containers, low hedges or summer topiary. H&S: 24in (60cm).
S. thunbergii AGM
This medium-sized shrub is sometimes semi-evergreen with fine green foliage and clusters of white flowers in spring and early summer. Due to its twiggy habit, regular pruning after flowering will promote new branching growth and prevent gaps. H&S: 5ft (1.5m).