PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeStudy Materials

Spiraea Species Comparisons


This page is intended to help you become more familiar with the different Spiraea species. Here you can quickly compare the different species to better learn the distinguishing characteristics of each.
Leaf
Spiraea japonica - The leaf is 1-2 inches long and elliptic. The margin is finely serrated. Spiraea x bumalda - The leaf is 1-3 inches long and lanceolate shaped. The new leaves emerge red and the margin of the leaf will retain a red tinge for several months.
Spiraea x vanhouttei - The leaf is ovate with 3-5 irregular lobes. The margin is serrated. The leaf is a blue-green color.

Flower
Spiraea japonica - The blossoms are light pink and are helf in 2-3 inch wide corymbs. Spiraea x bumalda - The flowers are bright pink and are held in 4 inch wide corymbs.
Spiraea x vanhouttei - The blossom is white and forms in small umbels.

Form
Spiraea japonica - It is a small, compact shrub, growing 2-3 feet high and wide. Spiraea x bumalda - It is a small mounded shrub, growing 3-4 feet high and 4-5 feet wide.
Spiraea x vanhouttei - It is a large shrub, growing 8 feet high and 12 feet wide. It has a cascading form with the branches arching towards the ground.