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Bridal Wreath Shrub Plants
Bridal Wreath Shrub Plants. It is no wonder that Spiraea vanhouttei has become fondly known as Bridal Wreath. This specimen shrub, dressed in long, graceful branches that are completely covered with pure white flowers, might be compared to the beauty of a bride's dress. Besides that, it just happens to bloom in June, the month traditionally known...
It is no wonder that Spiraea vanhouttei has become fondly known as Bridal Wreath. This specimen shrub, dressed in long, graceful branches that are completely covered with pure white flowers, might be compared to the beauty of a bride's dress. Besides that, it just happens to bloom in June, the month traditionally known as the wedding month.
The word "spirea" means "wreath" or "garland" in Greek. Through the ages, the shrub's arching branches were woven into head pieces and draping garlands to commemorate a new bride. Today plant breeders have introduced four new cultivars that are improved varieties. Though roses and lilies may have replaced bridal wreath spirea as a bride's favorite, these new shrubs are considered just as beautiful in the spring landscape as their predecessors.
Double Reeves Spirea
Double Reeves Spirea, Spirea cantoniensis Lanceata, is a mound-shaped shrub with double, white, long-lasting flowers and blue-green leaves that hang on late into autumn. It is fast growing, ranges from 3 to 6 feet at maturity and is hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 7 through 9. Double Reeves Spirea does best in full sun and loamy soil.
Snowmound Spirea
Snowmound Spirea, Spirea nipponica, is the dwarf version of bridal wreath, growing only 3 to 5 feet tall. It has a vase shape with arching stems of immaculate white blooms followed by blue-green foliage. It tolerates partial shade in a wide range from Zones 3 through 8.
Baby's Breath Spirea
Baby's Breath Spirea, Spirea thunbergii, has the finest texture of the spireas with pale green leaves and dainty white flowers on arched multitwigged stems to 6 feet in height and width. In summer, its foliage turns yellow green to contrast well with typical dark green shrubs. Baby's Breath Spirea is a hardy specimen shrub from Zones 4 through 8 and sometimes holds its leaves in mild winters.
Plena Spirea
Plena Spirea, Spirea prunifolia, is the most common spirea grown. It has double, white flowers on branches growing to a height of 7 feet. The blue-green foliage changes to orange-red in autumn. Seen in landscapes through the United States from Zones 4 through 8, its name is sometimes spelled "spiraea."
