Steeplebush

Scientific name

Spiraea tomentosa

Description

The Steeplebush is a deciduous shrub species that typically grows about 1 m in height . This plant may also be known by the common names: Rose Spiraea or Hardhack. The leaves are dark green, about 7 cm long, elliptic to ovate shaped, have toothed margins, and have dense yellowish brown hairs on the undersides. The flowers are tiny, rose pink to purplish coloured, bloom in late summer, and appear on tall, dense, steeple shaped clusters. This plant is useful for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. The flowers are also beneficial for pollinator species, like bees and butterflies.

Planting conditions

Steeplebush grows best in wet or moist conditons with full or partial sun exposure. It can tolerate a range of soil types with a normal or acidic pH level but may grow poorly in clay. This shrub is moderately shade tolerant but should be planted with some sun exposure. This plant is naturally found in wet forests, wet meadows, around swamps or marshes, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 1 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m