Ocean Spray

Scientific name

Holodiscus discolor

Description

Ocean Spray is a deciduous shrub species that typically grows between 3 and 6 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Creambush or Rock Spirea. The wood is hard, dense, and the bark appears shedding. The leaves are grayish green colored, alternately arranged, and have shallow lobes. The flowers are showy, fragrant, edible, creamy white colored then changing brown, appear in dropping clusters, and bloom between May and August. When the flowers are blooming, they appear like ocean spray, hence the common name. The food and habitat provided by this shrub are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and mammals. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines.

Planting conditions

Ocean Spray grows best in dry to moist conditions with partial sun. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay. It tolerates shade, slightly acidic soil, and nutrient poor soil. Established plants can tolerate drought and dry soil but young plants should be watered occasionally during hot summers. This shrub can be naturally found in shaded forests and riparian areas in the Pacific Northwest.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 3-6 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m