Spiraea chamaedryfolia

The Spiraea chamaedryfolia, also known as the Oakleaf Spirea, or more rarely Elmleaf Spirea, is a small bush that requires very little and is ideal in the countryside or a natural garden. Exceptionally hardy, unaffected by cold or dryness, it adapts to less poor soil. Beautiful in early summer with its white flower clusters, it delights the gardener again with its beautiful autumn colours. Plant this spirea in large shrub beds or a small hedge in all our regions.

The Spiraea chamaedryfolia belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous bush that slightly suckers and originates from southeastern Europe and temperate Asia. Its tendency to escape from gardens is reported in several countries. This spirea does well near the edge of forests and likes drier conditions on limestone soil with plenty of sunlight. These adaptable spireas are excellent choices for gardens, and this one is no exception.

It is a bushy shrub supported by long, slender, upright branches that are brownish to reddish-brown in colour. It grows rapidly, reaching an average of 1.25 m (4ft) in all directions in 3 to 4 years. The abundant flowering usually starts in May-June and can extend until September. The tiny white flowers are grouped in small clusters called corymbs at the ends of the branches. The Oakleaf Spirea has simple, oblong or lanceolate leaves, toothed at the edges, measuring 4 to 6 cm (2in) long and 1 to 3 cm (1in) wide. They are bright green and will turn lovely orange colours in autumn before falling.

Hardy, undemanding, and requiring very little maintenance, this lovely white spirea will adapt to all climates. It can be used in beds, as a solitary plant, in groups, and in small flowering hedges. To create a small spring bed, it can be paired with Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow, Prunus triloba multiplex, Prunus x cistena, Ribes sanguineum, and white, pink, orange, or even red Japanese quinces, which are also sturdy and undemanding plants.