Rose Spirea
Spiraea douglasii
Also known as Rose Spiraea, Douglas Spiraea, Hardhack
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub with feathery, rose-pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer on upright panicles. It thrives in moist soils and is valued for its vibrant late-season color.
Why grow it
Rose spirea extends the flowering season into late summer when many other shrubs have finished blooming, offering reliable color during a gap in the typical landscape calendar. Among spiraea species, douglasii is notably tolerant of consistently wet soils and performs well in riparian zones where other ornamental shrubs struggle. It serves as a moderate-sized deciduous backdrop (4-6 feet) that requires minimal pruning or fertilization once established in suitable conditions.
Watch out for
This species spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes and can become dense if left unpruned, requiring periodic thinning to maintain an open structure and reduce disease pressure in humid climates. In drier sites, plants may need supplemental water during establishment and drought stress can make them more susceptible to spider mites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, 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
A deciduous shrub with feathery, rose-pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer on upright panicles. It thrives in moist soils and is valued for its vibrant late-season color.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Rose Spirea grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Rose spirea extends the flowering season into late summer when many other shrubs have finished blooming, offering reliable color during a gap in the typical landscape calendar. Among spiraea species, douglasii is notably tolerant of consistently wet soils and performs well in riparian zones where other ornamental shrubs struggle. It serves as a moderate-sized deciduous backdrop (4-6 feet) that requires minimal pruning or fertilization once established in suitable conditions.
Watch out for
This species spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes and can become dense if left unpruned, requiring periodic thinning to maintain an open structure and reduce disease pressure in humid climates. In drier sites, plants may need supplemental water during establishment and drought stress can make them more susceptible to spider mites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, 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
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