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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: Pure white
Foliage color: Dark green during the growing season, transitioning to coppery-yellow in fall
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate to low
Maintenance: Low; light pruning after bloom to shape if desired
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators

Shrubs

Spiraea nipponica

Snowmound Spirea

Spiraea nipponica is a deciduous shrub admired for its abundant white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The small, round blooms are clustered into flat-topped corymbs that cover the arching branches, creating a graceful, cascading effect. These flowers are not only ornamental but also attract pollinators, adding ecological value to gardens.

Native to Japan, Spiraea nipponica thrives in a range of environments and is well-suited to ornamental landscapes.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate to low

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Cottage Gardens
Borders
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Camas · Mexican orange blossom · Bee balm · Maiden grass · Sea thrift · Flowering quince

Design tip

Create a cascading spring focal point with Snowmound spirea at a bend in a path or the edge of a planting, where its arching, flower-covered branches can be seen in profile. The sweeping silhouette becomes much more apparent from this angle than when viewed straight on.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)