Species white meadowsweet

white meadowsweet

Spiraea betulifolia

White Meadowsweet is a deciduous shrub with graceful, spreading branches reaching up to 2.5 metres. The attractive leaves are oval and toothed, grey-green in colour, turning yellow in autumn. In June to July, the shrub is covered with clusters of fragrant white flowers, giving rise to its common name. Hummingbirds enjoy the nectar and butterflies often visit the blossoms. White Meadowsweet is ideal for flower beds, naturalized areas, and as a garden accent. It can tolerate moist soils, and prefers full sun to part shade.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Humus Rocky

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

White meadowsweet should be watered once per week, when the top few inches of soil are dry. Water thoroughly until it begins to drain out from the bottom of the pot. In periods of extended dry weather, water an additional 2-3 times per week. During the winter, allow the soil to almost completely dry out before watering. Too much water can lead to root rot in this plant species.

sunlight

White meadowsweet (Spiraea betulifolia) needs 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to flourish. It prefers full sun in the morning and some shade from the hot afternoon sun, avoiding the stronger afternoon rays. It grows best in an area with partial shade, where it receives at least 5 or 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant should be planted where it receives maximum sunlight in the morning and some afternoon shade, as it will help to protect the plant from wilting and drying out. It is important to ensure the plant does not get too much sun, as the foliage and flowers may burn and discolor.

pruning

White meadowsweet should be pruned in early spring (March or April) or late summer (August). Pruning should be light to moderate, removing around 1 third of the oldest stems near the base of the plant or reducing the height by 1/3-1/2. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems as needed throughout the growing season. Pruning during the growing season should be done sparingly as the flowers bloom on old wood.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Spiraea betulifolia typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map