Spiraea prunifolia Plena

The Spiraea prunifolia Plena, sometimes referred to as 'Flore Pleno' or 'Pleniflora', is not the most well-known spring spirea, despite the early blooming and refinement of its white flowers. Beneath its poetic appearance of a white cloud made up of a multitude of tiny double rosettes lies a remarkably robust bush that seems to withstand the cold, dryness, and mediocre soils. Beautiful in spring, it delights the gardener once again with its beautiful autumn colours. For those who have adopted it, there are few shrubs as endearing as this cultivar with its double flowers. It undoubtedly deserves a place in our gardens, in large shrub beds or in a small bocage hedge.

Spiraea prunifolia, or plum-leaved spirea, belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous bush that tends to sucker originating from China, Korea, and Japan. In the wild, it can be found in thickets, on rocky slopes or steep cliffs, as well as in various dry and sunny habitats, up to 1500m (4921ft) altitude. Very accommodating, the only situation this spirea will not tolerate is excessive limestone in the soil. The 'Plena' form differs little from the type that already has double flowers. Its flowers simply have even more petals.

It is a shrub with a bushy habit and a slightly dishevelled silhouette, supported by long, slender, upright, and slightly twisted reddish-brown branches. Its growth is rapid, reaching an average of 1.50m (5ft) in all directions within 3 to 4 years. The flowering, spectacular and very abundant, usually takes place in April-May, sometimes as early as March in mild climates. The tiny double white flowers, 1cm (1in) in size, grouped in small umbels, appear along the previous year's branches. The Spiraea prunifolia Plena develops its foliage after flowering. Bright green in colour, it often takes on pretty red and orange colours in autumn before falling, depending on the climate and the year. The small leaves are ovate and pointed at their tips, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in). They are alternately arranged on the branches. This spirea produces suckers at the periphery of its base: they can be removed to limit its spread, but also replanted elsewhere or given to a gardening friend.

Hardy, undemanding, requiring very little maintenance, and this lesser-known white spirea adapts to all climates. It can be used in beds, as a standalone plant, in groups, and of course in small flowering hedges. To create a small, light spring bed, it can be paired with Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow, Prunus triloba multiplex, Prunus x cistena, Japanese quince, Ribes sanguineum, and white, pink, orange, or even red Cytisus x praecox, which are also undemanding plants. In a small garden, this truly poetic shrub looks great when planted in groups of 3 as a standalone feature in the corner of a lawn.