Spiraea in Georgia Landscapes

Spiraea is one of the most beautiful spring perennial bushes and they thrive in Georgia! We have a few spiraea plants in our yard and I’ve fallen headed over heals for this flowering perennial bush. Here are some photos and care tips for growing Spirea in Georgia landscaping.

Before we dive in, can we figure out whether it’s spelled spiraea or spirea? Cause um, I can’t figure it out, lol. I’m fairly positive it’s spelled spiraea, but the internet also says spirea. For the sake of this post, let’s stick with the very complicated spiraea spelling!

In our yard are planted spiraea cantoniensis, which is often called bridal wreath or Reeve’s spiraea.

The bridal wreath variety in our garden bursts into a lush display of pristine white each spring, setting a serene and romantic scene that’s reminiscent of an idyllic meadow when paired with our white cedar gate, and offering a gentle contrast to the more structured boxwood hedges.

Bridal wreath spiraea is beloved for it’s gorgeous spring cluster blooms of snow-white and soft flowing branches. It’s an elegant and soft perennial shrub that has an English cottage charm.

Standing tall at nearly five feet now, it’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, they were modest three-foot plants.

Spiraea can grow to 6’ tall. When ours was planted, it was about 3’ tall and not much going on. A few years later it’s nearly 5’ tall and 4’ wide and lush and full.

For those looking to welcome this delightful shrub into their garden, the process is straightforward. Simply excavate a hole to accommodate the root ball’s depth and double its width, nestle the plant within, and secure with soil. Topping it off with mulch or pine straw does wonders for keeping the heat at bay and soil full of water.

We have Georgia clay and our spiraea has been thriving. Normal soil should work just fine.

We have spiraea planted both in full sun, and in areas with shifting shade. While they have grown, and thrived in areas of our home that get full sun for part of the days, it’s the bushes in full sun that have gotten the biggest.

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Remarkably drought and heat tolerant and works well in zones 4 through 9.

Spiraea is both drought and heat tolerant so is a great perennial bush for Georgia yards. This plant thrives in zones 4-9.

Our proximity to a national forest means deer are frequent visitors, yet they show no interest in the Spiraea’s blooms, making it a perfect choice for a garden that’s both beautiful and deer-resistant. Butterflies, however, are drawn to it, creating vibrant gatherings every day. My son loves to say we have “butterfly parties” every day!

Spiraea asks little of the gardener. A mid-summer trim to keep walkways clear is all the attention it requires. It’s this low-maintenance nature that me such a fan. Because who has time to give every living thing hours of dedicated attention? Not this busy mom to three plus three fur babies!

The Spiraea, with its cascading clusters of snow-white blossoms, has claimed a special place in our Georgian garden. This resilient perennial, affectionately known as bridal wreath or Reeve’s spiraea, stands as a testament to the effortless charm of English cottage gardens, bringing a touch of bucolic elegance to our landscape.

Our spiraea starts flowering in mid-March and looks beautiful until early to mid May. It’s blooms are the first sign of spring coming. We will have sticks on our trees, and zoysia grass that hasn’t fully turned green, but these beauties will be full of blooms. After their blooms have passed, then other plants is our yard start showing off so everyone gets its own time to shine!

Spiraea is not evergreen and it will lose it’s delicate leaves in the winter. It will be a sticklike bush that won’t be very pretty to look at. But I don’t mind this at all because we aren’t outside in the winter, and almost all of our trees lose their leaves, and our grass grows dormant anyway. It’s a small price to pay for the gorgeous spring and summer look this plant shows off!

Our Atlanta winters have been on the cooler side, with temperatures in the single digits. Never have these frigid temperatures stopped my spiraea from flourishing and flowering.

Feeding for flourishing is important for any plant in any garden. My spiraea get fertilized once a year and that’s in the spring.

An annual application of controlled-release fertilizer in spring is all that’s needed to sustain these splendid shrubs, ensuring they continue to enchant year after year.

There are many different varieties of spiraea, each having their own color selection. The bridal wreath spiraea I have puts off the most beautiful snow-white clumps. It’s dripping in white flowers which looks so elegant and soft. The effect is delicate and reminds me of an English cottage. We have them flanking our white cedar gate so it’s oh-so-meadowy feeling! We also have a few in our front yard that are against our stacked stone exterior so it’s very southern in its appearance! The counteract a lot of the boxwood hedges I have with its free-flowing form.

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In conclusion, the Spiraea stands is a standout among perennial bushes for its striking beauty, minimal upkeep, and resilience in diverse environments. Its versatility in sun and shade, coupled with its tolerance to drought and heat, makes it a robust addition to any Georgian landscape.

Not only does it add aesthetic appeal with its bountiful white blooms, reminiscent of an English cottage garden, but it also offers a wildlife-friendly aspect, attracting butterflies while deterring deer. The Spiraea’s ability to thrive in the challenging Georgia clay, with little more than an annual feeding, further underscores its suitability for both novice and experienced gardeners.

By choosing Spiraea for your garden, you are investing in a plant that will not only enhance the beauty of your landscape but will also stand the test of time, requiring little care yet offering endless charm.

Whether framing a gate for a picturesque entryway or providing a soft contrast to structured hedges, Spiraea plants ensure a landscape that is both vibrant and serene, welcoming both humans and butterflies alike into its tranquil embrace.