Spiraea alba

Wild Meadowsweet

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Meadowsweet is a beautiful native shrub known for its elegant clusters of white flowers and its importance in providing habitat for various...

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Description:

Spiraea alba, with its graceful white flowers, blooms from July to August, adding charm to wet meadows, wetlands, and streambanks. Thriving best in full sun to partial shade, it reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide. Preferring moist to wet, organic soil, it can even tolerate occasional flooding, reflecting its natural habitat. While adaptable, its growth in piedmont and ridge and valley areas indicates a broader regional fit, rather than a specific tie to coastal or highland regions. Attracting butterflies and bees, Spiraea alba has some deer resistance. Ideal for rain gardens, waterside plantings, or damp areas, this perennial shrub adds beauty and ecological value. Its low drought and salt tolerance highlight its preference for moist environments.

Plant Details:

Other Common Names: White Meadowsweet

Plant Type: Perennial, Shrub

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Late Summer to Fall

Bloom Colors: White

Deer Resistance: Some

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: Ridge & Valley - RV, Piedmont - P

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay

Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet

Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral

Light Needs of Plant

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet

Drought Tolerance: Low

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 2 - 4 ft

Spread: 2 - 3 ft

Growth Rate: Medium