Spiraea prunifolia

The Spiraea prunifolia, also known as the Plum-leaved Spirea, or more rarely the Prune-leaved Spirea, is a little-known bush to gardeners, despite the early and refined nature of its snowy flowering. Beneath its white cloud-like appearance made up of tiny pompons, lies a remarkably robust bush: neither cold, nor dryness, nor poor soils seem to overcome this indomitable spirea, which spreads - moderately - over the years. Superb in spring, it delights the gardener again with its beautiful autumn colours. For those who have planted it, there are few shrubs as endearing. Plant it in large shrub beds or in a small hedge.

The Spiraea prunifolia belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous bush with slight suckering habit, native to China, Korea, and Japan. In the wild, it is found in thickets, on rocky slopes or steep cliffs, as well as in various dry and sunny habitats, up to 1500 m (4921ft) in altitude. Very accommodating, the only thing this plant does not tolerate is excessive limestone in the soil.

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

Hardy, undemanding, requiring very little maintenance, this lovely white spirea adapts to all climates. It can be used in beds, as a standalone specimen, in groups, and in small flowering hedges. To create a small spring flower bed that is light and airy, 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 poetic shrub has a striking presence when planted in groups of 3 as a standalone feature in the corner of a lawn.