Spiraea vanhouttei, commonly known as Bridal Wreath Spirea, is a deciduous shrub beloved for its graceful, arching branches covered in cascades of small white flowers each spring. Growing 5 to 8 feet tall and wide, this classic landscape shrub creates an elegant focal point in borders, hedges, and foundation plantings. Its fountain-like shape and prolific bloom make it a standout choice for spring color and structure in the garden.

In addition to its floral display, Bridal Wreath Spirea features blue-green foliage that adds texture throughout the growing season and turns yellow in fall. It thrives in full sun, is tolerant of a variety of soils, and requires minimal maintenance once established.

Why Choose Spiraea vanhouttei – Bridal Wreath?

• Graceful, arching branches covered in masses of small white flowers each spring
• Easy-care, low-maintenance shrub adaptable to a range of soil types
• Provides multi-season interest with spring blooms, summer foliage, and fall color

Cultivating Tips

• Plant in full sun for the most prolific flowering
• Tolerates a range of soils but prefers well-drained conditions
• Prune after flowering to maintain its elegant shape and encourage future blooms

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Use as a flowering hedge or screen for spring interest and privacy
• Plant as a specimen shrub to create a striking focal point in garden beds
• Combine with evergreens or flowering perennials for a layered, year-round display

Ecological Benefits

• Attracts some pollinators to its spring flowers but provides limited ecological value
• Non-native species that do not support local ecosystems as effectively as native plants
• Consider native alternatives to enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat in your landscape

Since Spiraea vanhouttei – Bridal Wreath is not a native species, here are native alternatives available at Bumbee’s that provide ecological benefits:

Spiraea alba var. latifolia – White Meadowsweet
A native spiraea with delicate white flower clusters that bloom in summer and attract pollinators.

Vaccinium corymbosum – Northern Highbush Blueberry
A showy native shrub offering spring blooms, vibrant fall color, and edible berries that support wildlife.