Spirea are beloved plants in many gardens because they are easy to care for and add such a beautiful pop of color throughout the year. There are spirea varieties that fit in well with almost any garden style.
These perennial shrubs produce lacey flowers in a variety of colors, as well as small foliage that comes in a range of different shades of green. Some bloom in late spring, while others bloom during fall.
Listed below are 31 beautiful varieties of spirea for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for a large or small shrub, white or pink flowers, or anything in between, there’s a spirea for everyone!
Spiraea alba ‘Audubon Meadowsweet’
‘Audubon Meadowsweet’ produces small white or pink flowers in clusters throughout the summer into fall.
| botanical name Spiraea alba | |
 | sun requirements Full sun |
 | height 3-4 feet |
 | hardiness zones 3-7 |
Spiraea alba is a species of spirea native to North America. The growth habit is a tad more unruly than some of the other spireas that you may be familiar with. This spirea will bloom from the beginning of summer into the fall with tiny white or pink flowers grouped together in clusters.
Due to its wild growth habit, Spirea alba would suit a woodland edge garden very nicely. However, in a cottage garden, its beautiful flowers combined with its growth habit would be completely charming.
Spiraea albiflora
You can incorporate Japanese white spirea in various ways for an extended display of color throughout the year.
 | botanical name Spiraea albiflora |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
Also known as Japanese white spirea, Spiraea albiflora is a compact spirea. In summer, this small plant will nearly explode with frothy white flowers nicely accented by its deep green foliage.
Add Japanese white spirea to containers for three seasons of color. Another great way to use this plant in your landscape is as a low hedge around a walkway or patio.
Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor’
To ensure the best results, remember to prune ‘Tor’ in late winter or early spring.
| | botanical name Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
If compact spirea is what you are searching for, look no further than ‘Tor.’ Its delicate flowers and gorgeous foliage make this variety the total package.
This beautiful birchleaf spirea blooms in late spring to early summer with small white flowers. These flowers will completely cover the foliage. When autumn rolls around, the foliage will be the star of the show. Turning from green to orange and finally reddish purple in autumn, ‘Tor’ is a multi-season beauty.
Since this is a nice compact spirea, it is a good choice for a low-growing hedge. Be sure to prune in late winter or early spring because ‘Tor’ blooms on new wood.
Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor Gold’
With flat flower clusters and everchanging leaves, ‘Tor Gold’ is the shrub to choose for your garden.
| | botanical name Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor Gold’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 3-4 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
If you seek a spirea with multi-season beauty, ‘Tor Gold’ is the shrub for you! With flat flower clusters and everchanging leaves, ‘Tor Gold’ is a perfect garden addition.
This birchleaf spirea is something to behold. The flowers are white, and they open from pink buds in late spring or early summer. The summer foliage is a bright, sunny yellow that turns orange or red as winter approaches.
Plant ‘Tor Gold’ as a specimen plant, or add it to your foundation gardens. This spirea blooms on new wood. Be sure to prune in late winter or early spring!
Spiraea douglassi (Western Spirea)
If needed, trim the western spirea to tidy its shape immediately after flowering.
| | botanical name Spiraea douglassi |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 4-6 feet |
| | hardiness zones 5-8 |
In a world of spirea that can sometimes be invasive, Western spirea is a native option to the Pacific Northwest! This species of spirea grows well in moist soil and attracts butterflies into your garden.
The western spirea is a clump-forming shrub. The foliage is deep green with a white underside. Western spirea is a late spring or early summer bloomer. At this time of the year, you will notice pink flowers blooming on the tips of the branches. These flowers are long plumes and fragrant.
Use western spirea in wet areas of your yard or along a woodland edge for a pop of pink! Prune this spirea as soon as it has finished flowering, if necessary, to neaten up the shape a bit.
Spiraea japonica ‘Butterscotch Baby’
Remember that ‘Butterscotch Baby’ is a deciduous plant and will shed its leaves.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Minspiz02’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Butterscotch Baby’ will provide three seasons of color to your gardens. This petite spirea variety will be covered in bright pink flowers in the summertime. In fall, the foliage will take on a caramel, almost red, hint.
This petite spirea makes an adorable addition to containers or smaller perennial gardens. ‘Butterscotch Baby’ is deciduous and will lose its leaves. Be sure to plant it near evergreen plants so you do not experience any gaps.
Spiraea japonica ‘Daphne’
The ‘Daphne’ spirea’s flowers are perfect for cut flower arrangements.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Alpina’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
The Daphne spirea is a low-growing shrub that can spread up to 5 feet wide! During summer, this spirea will be covered in flat-topped clusters of pink flowers. The foliage is a very attractive shade of blue-green.
The low yet wide growing shape of this rounded shrub would lend itself nicely to a foundation garden. The flowers of the Daphne spirea make excellent cut flowers! If you can spare some, snip a few stems and bring them indoors!
Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Big Bang’
To promote a second blooming cycle, remember to deadhead ‘Big Bang.’
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Big Bang’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
‘Big Bang’ is a variety of spirea growing in popularity, and for good reasons. This plant is colorful and versatile, with many uses in your garden.
The everchanging colors of the foliage of ‘Big Bang’ is only one of the beautiful traits of this spirea. Beginning in spring with a bright shade of orange, the leaves will change to yellow and finally red. In the summertime, ‘Big Bang’ will produce bright pink clusters of flowers that bloom on the tips of the branches.
Be sure to deadhead ‘Big Bang’ to encourage a second round of blooms. Aside from that, this spirea requires very little maintenance. If you need to do pruning, do so in late winter or early spring to avoid snipping off flower buds.
Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play ® Blue Kazoo’
For prolonged flowering on your ‘Blue Kazoo’, be sure to remove spent flowers through deadheading.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Blue Kazoo’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Blue Kazoo’ is a unique and compact spirea. The hues of the foliage make it great for a garden where you are looking for something softer.
In summer, ‘Blue Kazoo’ will produce large white flower clusters that will bloom on the tips of the branches. The real fun in this plant is the foliage. Most of the season, the leaves of ‘Blue Kazoo’ will be blue-green and turn red in autumn.
This is a nice low-maintenance spirea. Plant ‘Blue Kazoo’ as a low-growing hedge or in your foundation gardens. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming!
Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play ® Candy Corn’
You can use multiple plants of ‘Double Play® Candy Corn’ to form a short hedge.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Candy Corn’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-7 |
‘Candy Corn’ brings a dash of color to your garden all year. With color-changing foliage and deep purple flowers, this variety will make a fierce impact on your gardens.
The foliage on ‘Candy Corn’ opens in a bright shade of orange and will fade to a tropical shade of yellow. Every new leaf will emerge orange, and the foliage will have a fun multicolored appearance all season. During summer, bright purple clusters of flowers begin to bloom.
The smaller size of ‘Candy Corn’ makes it a great choice for larger containers. Plant this spirea in a mass as a low-growing hedge, or add it to a foundation or perennial garden. After a few seasons, ‘Candy Corn’ will be able to tolerate drought.
Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Doozie’
‘Double Play® Doozie’ is a compact spirea that does not require much pruning.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘NCSX2’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
If you are looking for a three-season bold addition to your garden, give ‘Doozie’ a try. New foliage emerges in spring in a bright red hue before mellowing to a mid-green for the rest of the summer. The flowers are a glowing reddish-pink hue and will continue to bloom all summer.
‘Double Play® Doozie’ is a compact spirea that does not require much pruning. Due to its compact size, it is easy to add this spirea to any garden, but it makes a very nice addition to a perennial garden.
Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play® Red’
Plant ‘Double Play® Red’ near a walkway or front door for three-season color.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘SMNSJMFR’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
‘Double Play® Red’ is a truly beautiful spirea. Throughout the three seasons of interest that this spirea variety provides, there is always a touch of red present. New foliage grows in a deep cranberry red, while the summer leaves are a beautiful true green. In the summer, this spirea will be loaded with crimson flowers.
Cluster a few of these spireas together for maximum impact. Plant ‘Double Play® Red’ near a walkway or front door for three seasons of color.
Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’
The softer hues of ‘Goldmound’ make it a perfect fit for vibrant gardens alongside evergreen shrubs.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
As the name may suggest, ‘Goldmound’ has brilliant golden yellow foliage. In the summer, this shrub will host profuse pink flowers. When fall rolls around, the foliage will turn to a warm orange.
The softer colors of ‘Goldmound’ will meld nicely in a bolder garden with bright colors or evergreen shrubs. Try adding ‘Goldmound’ to a woodland edge with rhododendrons or close to a Japanese maple.
Spiraea japonica ‘Lil’ Flirt’
‘Lil’ Flirt’ is a versatile compact spirea that can find a place in your garden in various ways.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘SMSJMLA’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Lil’ Flirt’ is a gorgeously compact and re-blooming spirea. This plant shines with colorful foliage and the traditionally beautiful flowers we expect from spirea.
When the foliage emerges, it will be burgundy and eventually turn green as the season progresses. ‘Lil’ Flirt’ will bloom twice for you, once in spring and then again in summertime. These flowers are deep pink and form in clusters which will bloom at the end of the stems.
‘Lil’ Flirt’ is a compact spirea and can be used in many different ways in your garden. You can plant this spirea in containers, as a low-growing hedge, or in your flower beds.
Spiraea japonica ‘Lil’ Sizzle’
During the spring and summer, ‘Lil’ Sizzle’ bursts into hot pink clusters of blooms.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘SMSJMLG’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Lil’ Sizzle’ is a fun spirea with a colorful punch. This compact spirea provides stunning three-season color with its trademark toughness.
When new foliage appears, it will come with a fun orange hue that will eventually fade to green as the summer progresses. This spirea will bloom in the spring and summer in hot pink clusters.
This spirea is compact and tolerant of many growing conditions. Try adding it to a large container, to a front walkway, or your flower beds.
Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’
‘Little Princess’ boasts light pink flower clusters that bloom throughout the summer.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
If you are seeking a lighter-colored spirea that still makes a big impact on your yard, ‘Little Princess’ is a great option for you.
‘Little Princess’ blooms in light pink clusters of flowers throughout the summer. The foliage is a lighter mint green than other spirea varieties.
This makes a great plant swap if you love hydrangeas but have too much sun for the mophead varieties. ‘Little Princess’ is a neat and tidy-growing spirea that would make a great border plant along the front of your foundation garden or around a walkway or patio.
Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’
Perfect for small garden spaces, the ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea is an excellent choice if you love spirea.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
If you love spirea but only have a small space in your garden, the ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea is perfect.
While ‘Magic Carpet’ does produce pretty pink flowers, they are not the start of the show. The foliage emerges red, turns yellow, and finally wraps up the season in a deep, russet red.
This is another small spirea that makes a great choice for large containers. The beautiful colors of the foliage will provide multi-season interest and would be a perfect display along a walkway or near your mailbox.
Spiraea japonica ‘Neon Splash’
‘Neon Splash’ boasts mid-green leaves and a pleasing, mounded shape.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Neon Flash’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
For a bright pop of color throughout your gardens, look at the ‘Neon Splash’ spirea. This shrub has a nice mounded shape with mid-green leaves.
The bright, or neon, flowers will begin to bloom in summer and last into the fall if you deadhead. When the weather cools down, the foliage will take on a red tint.
Add ‘Neon Splash’ to large containers, flower beds, and your cutting garden. The bright flowers will add a nice pop of color no matter where you plant this shrub.
Spiraea japonica ‘Shirobana’
Plant the ‘Shirobana’ spirea in your front yard as part of your foundation garden.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Shirobana’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4–9 |
The ‘Shirobana’ spirea is a low-growing variety of spirea. The bright green leaves create a nice backdrop for the multicolored white, pink, and red blossoms that cover this shrub in summertime. The stems of this spirea are slender and grow in a compact and mounded form.
Plant ‘Shirobana’ in front of your house as part of your foundation garden, or add it in a mass planting around your patio for constant and dependable beauty.
Spiraea japonica ‘Yeti’
‘Yeti’ is a compact spirea variety perfect for various garden applications.
| | botanical name Spiraea japonica ‘Conspiyet’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Yeti’ is a repeat blooming spirea that will fill your garden with white fluffy flowers throughout most of the growing season. The white flowers will self-clean themselves for the most part and will only require a quick deadheading or light pruning to encourage a second round of blooms.
Plant ‘Yeti’ has a low-growing hedge, or add it into your larger containers. This is a compact spirea variety and can be dappled throughout your flowering perennial gardens or foundation gardens as well.
Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’
Regardless of where you choose to plant it, enjoy the mesmerizing white blossoms of ‘Snowmound.’
| | botanical name Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 3-5 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
One of the more stunning spirea varieties. ‘Snowmound’ produces large and gracefully arching branches that will be covered in white blossoms beginning in the mid to late spring. The foliage is not overly showy but does create a nice green background for the clusters of flowers.
‘Snowmound’ can grow up to five feet tall and would fit really nicely towards the back of a border or foundation garden. Wherever you plant this spirea, make sure you can marvel at the white blossoms.
Spiraea prunifolia ‘Bridal Wreath’
‘Bridal Wreath’ features long, arching branches with an upright growth pattern.
| | botanical name Spiraea prunifolia |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 4-9 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
One of my favorite times in my garden is when my ‘Bridal Wreath,’ or Spirea prunifolia, blooms. This spirea has an upright growth habit with long arching branches.
The white flowers of this spirea variety resemble baby’s breath flowers. These flowers will cover the dramatic branches in early to mid-spring. In the fall, the foliage will offer nice color in shades of orange, red, and yellow.
‘Bridal Wreath’ makes an amazingly dramatic display when planted as a hedge or in a grouping. I have a hedge of ‘Bridal Wreath’ planted just along a woodland edge with dappled light, and they thrive!
Spiraea splendens
Rose meadow spirea produces vibrant pink, pom-pom-like flowers in flat clusters.
| | botanical name Spiraea splendens |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 5-8 |
Rose meadow spirea, also known as Spiraea splendens, blooms from summer into fall with bright pink and flat-topped clusters of flowers. The flowers are fluffy and have a pom-pom-looking appearance. The foliage is a mid-green, which will fade to a golden yellow in the fall.
The rose meadow spirea makes a colorful and cheery addition to foundation gardens. Since this spirea only grows to about three feet in height, it could also be used in perennial flower beds if you are looking to attract pollinators.
Spiraea thunbergii ‘Mt. Fuji’
This unique spirea, ‘Mt. Fuji,’ boasts curly branches and can serve as an excellent specimen plant.
| | botanical name Spiraea thunbergii ‘Mt. Fuji’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 4-5 feet |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
Blooming in mid-spring, ‘Mt. Fuji’ is a less common variety of spirea. The flowers of ‘Mt. Fuji’ are snowy white and bloom before new foliage appears on the plant.
When the leaves finally appear, they will be green with white variegation. In the fall, these leaves will turn yellow.
‘Mt. Fuji’ has curly branches and would be nicely used as a specimen plant. Of course, as with most other spirea, it is particularly attractive when planted in mass.
Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’
Check if ‘Anthony Waterer’ is invasive in your area as it aggressively self-sows.
| | botanical name Spiraea x bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Anthony Waterer’ is a compact and mounded variety of spirea. It should be noted that this spirea is an aggressive seeder and will spread throughout your garden by suckering. Be aware of this before planting, and check to see if this shrub is invasive in your area.
This variety of spirea brings interest to your garden in the spring, summer, and fall. In the late spring, the bright pink tufts of flowers will bloom. The foliage will begin as red in the spring, turn greenish blue in the summertime, and reddish-purple in the fall.
‘Anthony Waterer’ is a heat-tolerant variety, making it a great choice for your landscape. Add it to foundation gardens or your perennial beds. This spirea blooms on new wood; therefore, pruning should be done in the late winter to early spring.
Spiraea x bumalda ‘Firelight’
One of the more popular and easy-to-find spireas is ‘Firelight.’
| | botanical name Spiraea x bumalda ‘Firelight’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
‘Firelight’ is one of the more popular and easy-to-find spirea varieties. The show is mostly in the foliage for this variety, although the pink flowers are quite pretty. New foliage will emerge bright orange or red and mature to yellow throughout the summer before finishing up the fall in a deep shade of red or purple.
‘Firelight’ is great in containers or as a low border or hedge. Plant a few of these shrubs near deep green evergreen shrubs or in an area of your garden that could use some brightening up.
Spiraea x bumalda ‘Golden Sunrise’
For a striking contrast amid shrubs sporting darker green leaves, consider adding ‘Golden Sunrise.’
| | botanical name Spiraea x bumalda ‘Monhud’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 3-4 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Golden Sunrise’ is a newer variety of spirea similar to ‘Goldflame’ with a few improvements. New foliage growth will emerge yellow, aging to a yellow-green in the summertime.
The cooler temperatures of autumn will bring orange foliage to this shrub. Smaller clusters of light pink flowers will appear throughout the summer.
Add ‘Golden Sunrise’ as a contrasting plant among shrubs with deeper green leaves. ‘Golden Sunrise’ would make a lovely statement in a foundation garden or along a woodland border.
Spiraea x bumalda ‘Goldflame’
‘Goldflame’ is an excellent choice for hotter regions and looks great in border and foundation gardens.
| | botanical name Spiraea x bumalda ‘Goldflame’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 3-4 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
‘Goldflame’ produces bright pinkish-red panicles of flowers in the summertime. The new foliage will emerge in a bright shade of coppery orange before fading to a punchy lime green. In the fall, the foliage will revert to its orange shade for a blast of autumnal color.
‘Goldflame’ is heat-tolerant and is a great option for warmer climates. Add this spirea to a border garden or foundation garden for three-season color.
Spiraea x bumalda ‘Limemound’
When considering additions to your perennial beds, ‘Limemound’ is an excellent choice.
| | botanical name Spiraea x bumalda ‘Monhub’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
The name for this variety of spirea comes from the color of the foliage. Rather than the classic green, the foliage on the ‘Limemound’ is a yellowish green.
In the fall, the red stems are accented by beautiful orange foliage. The flowers of ‘Limemound’ are pink and bloom in the summertime.
Add ‘Limemound’ to your perennial beds. This spirea will max out at 3 feet tall and about 4 feet wide.
Spiraea x cinerea ‘Grefsheim’
You can use garland spirea for foundation planting or as a striking hedge.
| | botanical name Spiraea x cinerea ‘Grefsheim’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 5-6 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-7 |
The ‘Grefsheim’ or garland spirea is noted for its beautiful early-blooming flowers. A recipient of the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, this would make an elegant selection for any garden.
Growing up to 6 feet, this spirea is still considered compact. The branches are arching and very graceful. In the spring, white flowers will line the arching branches. The foliage is small yet dense and stays close to the base of the plant.
Use this spirea as a foundation planting or as a stunning hedge. If you want to neaten up the arching branches, trim them up after blooming has finished.
Spiraea x vanhouttei ‘Pink Ice’
‘Pink Ice’ is a lovely alternative to traditional spirea for those who prefer a more delicate look.
| | botanical name Spiraea x vanhouttei ‘Pink Ice’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 3-4 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
If you love spirea but are seeking something with a softer, more delicate appearance, ‘Pink Ice’ is a great variety for your gardens.
The foliage of this spirea is beautifully variegated with white and pink edges and tips to the leaves. You may notice the variegation fading to green throughout the summer. In early summer, clusters of small white flowers will bloom on the tips of the stems.
Plant ‘Pink Ice’ as a short hedge along a walkway, foundation gardens, or perennial beds. If you need to prune this smaller spirea, do so right after flowering ends.
Final Thoughts
Spirea is an easy-to-grow shrub that can add beauty to any garden in zones 4-8. These shrubs are tolerant of many different soil types as well as many different climates. With so many different varieties to choose from, you should focus on colors that you want in your garden, as well as plants that are the right size for the space you are looking to fill. If you have not added spirea to your garden yet, here is your chance!
