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Douglas's Spiraea

Spiraea douglasii

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade, full sun

Water

moderate

Soil

Fast, Medium, Slow; Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Size

5–7ft tall , 3–4ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Aug

Foliage

Deciduous

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Moist riparian and wetland areas of northwestern California from Del Norte to Mendocino Counties, below 2000 ft elevation, in coastal scrub and redwood forest margins, extending to Oregon and Washington.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Douglas's Spiraea in full sun or partial shade in a location with fast to medium drainage - avoid heavy clay soils, which this plant struggles in. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal. The best time to plant is during the dormant season (fall through early spring) when the plant is leafless. Space plants according to their mature width of 5-7 feet, as they grow moderately fast and will fill in quickly.

After Planting

Water regularly during your first summer to keep the soil moist while the plant establishes itself. Once established, Douglas's Spiraea needs only moderate water, though you should keep it moist during summer months. The plant is deciduous and will drop its leaves in winter - this is normal. Prune after flowering (late summer) to maintain shape and encourage next year's blooms, and avoid the common mistake of overwatering in clay-heavy soil, which will cause root problems even though this plant is otherwise easy to care for.

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