Ocean Spray
Holodiscus discolor
Also listed as Sericotheca discolor, Spiraea discolor
Also known as Bush Oceanspray, Creambush Oceanspray, Glandular Oceanspray
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ocean Spray grows in your area.
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Ocean spray is a native deciduous shrub prized for its delicate, feathery white flower plumes that appear in summer and persist as attractive seed heads. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor soils where many other plants struggle.
Why grow it
Ocean spray fills a niche in dry-site landscaping where many ornamental shrubs require supplemental water. Its feathery flower and seed head display is comparable to astilbe or goatsbeard, but it succeeds in shallow, infertile soils and full sun where those shade-loving perennials cannot. The persistent seed heads extend visual interest well into autumn and winter, offering value beyond the typical summer bloom window of similar flowering shrubs.
Watch out for
Plants can take two to three seasons to become fully established; water moderately during the first growing year to support root development. In regions with consistent summer moisture, it may develop fungal issues on foliage, so site it where air circulation is good. Growth habit can become leggy if not pruned, and it responds better to renewal pruning after flowering than to formal shearing.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Copper Beauty' is prized for its distinctive rose-copper colored new growth and seed heads that deepen to red-brown tones.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Ocean spray is a native deciduous shrub prized for its delicate, feathery white flower plumes that appear in summer and persist as attractive seed heads. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor soils where many other plants struggle.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ocean Spray grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ocean spray fills a niche in dry-site landscaping where many ornamental shrubs require supplemental water. Its feathery flower and seed head display is comparable to astilbe or goatsbeard, but it succeeds in shallow, infertile soils and full sun where those shade-loving perennials cannot. The persistent seed heads extend visual interest well into autumn and winter, offering value beyond the typical summer bloom window of similar flowering shrubs.
Watch out for
Plants can take two to three seasons to become fully established; water moderately during the first growing year to support root development. In regions with consistent summer moisture, it may develop fungal issues on foliage, so site it where air circulation is good. Growth habit can become leggy if not pruned, and it responds better to renewal pruning after flowering than to formal shearing.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Copper Beauty' is prized for its distinctive rose-copper colored new growth and seed heads that deepen to red-brown tones.