Spiraea betulifolia Island

The Spiraea betulifolia 'Island', or Birch-leaved Spirea, is a small bush or shrub with a compact habit and massive spring flowering in clusters of small white flowers that butterflies love. In autumn, its foliage turns beautifully yellow and orange. Accommodating and easy to grow, it will find its place in many gardens and adapt to most climates. Its limited growth makes it a good container plant to enhance a terrace or a border along a pathway.

The Birch-leaved Spirea 'Island' belongs to the large family of Rosaceae, which includes most of our fruit species (Apple trees, Pear trees, Cherry trees, Apricot trees), many wild plants, and a multitude of ornamental plants. Besides Roses, of course, it includes the genera Cotoneaster, Amelanchier, Pyracantha, Kerria, Photinia, etc. The Spiraea genus alone has around a hundred species, including the S. Betulifolia native to Eastern Siberia, Japan, and Sakhalin Island. It derives from its geographical origins an excellent cold resistance (around -30 °C) and forms a small shrub with an almost spherical habit.
The growth of this Island variety is slow and its mature size will not exceed 80 cm (31.5 in) in height by 60 cm (23.6 in) in width. The flowering, which takes place in May-June, is so abundant that the shrub disappears under a white blanket of snow. The very small flowers are grouped in clusters measuring 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 in) and are highly appreciated by butterflies. The oval, toothed leaves are medium green and resemble those of birch trees. This small shrub ignites in autumn, with its foliage taking on shades of yellow to orange, or even purple, depending on the nature of the soil.
Plant this spirea in well-drained soil, not too dry. This shrub will thrive in partial shade, but preferably in full sun. The autumn colours will be richer and more pronounced in neutral to acidic soil.

The Spiraea betulifolia 'Island' is a perfect candidate for decorative container planting. In the ground, this shrub will perfectly complement low-growing perennials in a mixed bed. The association with a carpet of Nepeta mussinii will guarantee a very wide flowering range, from spring to autumn, for a highly durable decorative effect. In the same spirit, Hemerocallis with their magnificent flowers blooming throughout much of the summer (if different varieties are planted from the wide range available) will be perfect companions. Among shrubs, a beautiful Purple-leaved Weigela will provide a remarkable contrast throughout the season, as well as a Golden Carpet Barberry with yellow-green leaves planted in the foreground of this Spirea.