Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
JUST NOW, my front yard appears dressed for a royal wedding, because the enchanting Spirea vanhouttei is in bloom. You might know this deciduous shrub as the “Bridal Wreath” spirea, and the pliable, pendulous branches can indeed be fashioned into head-gear. I’m not a wreath-wearer, but I do delight in the plant’s fountain-like form and clusters of white, honey-perfumed flowers that appear in early May. The stems, as you can imagine, are indispensable for springtime bouquets:
For a dinner party last weekend, I draped several lengths of spirea from a clear, crystal vase. Above these, stems of wild, lavender and white phlox, gathered from the woods, and a few stems of purple lilacs were inserted. Unfortunately, the arrangement was too large for the dining table. However it did make a nice display for the mahogany sideboard (click photo to enlarge).
Culturally speaking, vanhouttei takes care of itself. Here, located in full sun between forsythia and barberry shrubs, and planted in average soil that is watered exclusively by Nature, it has achieved a height of 6 feet, and about 8 feet in width. You can, of course, prune immediately after flowering to restrict size. But I think spirea looks far better if permitted room to grow into a huge, arching beauty. It is hardy in zones 4-8.
For a stunning spring show, scented flowers for the house, and self-sustaining culture, you will find the Bridal Wreath spirea can’t be beat. If I didn’t already have three of these enduring shrubs at A Garden for the House, I’d certainly buy them — immediately.
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Sheila says
I have Bridal Wreath, too, and LOVE it. It needs no care whatsoever. I only wish it had a longer flowering period.
Phoebe says
Kevin, a friend of mine planted a row of bridal wreath along a split rail fence. It makes a magnificent hedge!
Katreader says
Mine is in bloom too-gorgeous, but the floral beauty is so short lived…
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Sheila, Katreader – With temperatures dropping to 29 degrees tonight, I predict a longer-than-usual bloom period for my spirea!
Phoebe – Yes, great for a deciduous hedge, especially where there is plenty of room.
Justin says
Kevin, I have this spirea in my front yard too. I think the birds like it as much as me. The little ones frolic in its branches even when the shrub is leafless in winter time.
Adele says
Beautiful arrangement, Kevin! I love that you included native flowers in the mix. I always hesitate to pull up wild phlox, it's so beautiful and fragrant when in bloom.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Justin – Thanks for the reminder about birds! Here, the sparrows and house finches hop from forsythia to spirea to barberry; they must feel protected in the twiggy growth.
Adele – So glad there is another native phlox enthusiast around here!
Andrew Thompson says
Are modern weddings ever scheduled to coincide with the blooming of spirea? And does the bride (or her maids) wear it as a head wreath? Just curious.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Andrew – I don't know about modern weddings, but the wreath was definitely worn by brides during medieval times. It was, of course, a symbol of virginity. Bridal veils grew out of this tradition.
Gregory says
“…and the bride wore a stunning garland of spirea.” Now that's something I'd like to read in the society pages of the New York Times!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Gregory – Or, “…each groom wore a stunning garland of spirea…”!
Sharlette says
Looking for some help. I have had my spirea for 5 years and it is looking more spindly this year. the boughs did not hang down this year they are just standing straight up like the ninebark it is planted beside. Do I need to trim it? Does it need more fertilizer? I could use some suggestions – thanks!