Spiraea tomentosa – Meadowsweet is a native, deciduous shrub valued for its vibrant pink flower spikes, pollinator-friendly blooms, and adaptability to wet soils. Blooming from mid to late summer, its dense clusters of rose-pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The soft, fuzzy leaves provide texture in the garden and turn a warm golden-yellow in the fall.

Meadowsweet typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, acidic soils and is ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland plantings. Its suckering habit makes it an excellent choice for naturalized areas where it can form dense colonies that stabilize soil and provide wildlife habitat. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, Spiraea tomentosa is a great addition to native plantings and sustainable landscapes.

Why Choose Spiraea tomentosa – Meadowsweet?

• Bright pink flower spikes bloom from mid to late summer
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Tolerates wet soils and works well in rain gardens and wetlands
• Native, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant
• Provides seasonal interest with golden fall foliage

Cultivating Tips:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering
• Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils
• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
• Spreads by suckers, which can be managed or encouraged for mass plantings

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

• Perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland restorations
• Combine with other moisture-loving natives like Clethra alnifolia and Itea virginica
• Ideal for pollinator gardens, naturalized areas, and habitat plantings

Ecological Benefits:

• Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Creates dense thickets that offer cover for birds and small wildlife
• Helps stabilize soil in wet areas and supports healthy ecosystems