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