Spiraea prunifolia Siebold & Zucc.

Bridal Wreath Spirea

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Bridal Wreath Spirea is an introduced deciduous shrub in the Rose family (Rosaceae). It is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Bridal Wreath Spirea is a common ornamental in many parts of Alabama, and persists on roadsides, along fence rows, and around old home sites. It is a colonial, erect shrub up to 4 feet in height. The stems are virgate or branched from above the middle. Leaves are petiolate, ovate to elliptic in outline, pubescent on the lower surface, and with serrate margins. Flowers are produced in axillary panicles or fascicles. The flower clusters are subtended by whorl of leaf-like bracts. The flower stalks are pubescent. Most material in Alabama is of the double-flowered form with several whorls of white petals. The flowers are produced before or with the leaves. The fruit is a follicle (not seen in our material). Bridal Wreath Spirea is available in the nursery trade. Plants can also be grown from rooted cuttings or by separating clones. It prefers a well-draining soil and full sun. Plants should be pruned after flowering as buds are produced on new growth for next year’s flowers.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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