1. *Douglas/Rose Spiraea – Spiraea douglasii
(spy-REE-uh dug-LASS-ee-eye )
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Alaska to N. CA & east to OR/MT; moist places in Redwood Forest, Red Fir Forest,
wetland-riparian between 0 and 6400 feet .
Native to:
woody shrub
mature height: 3-6+ ft.
mature width: spreading
Woody shrub with many upright stems. Winter-deciduous. Spreads via rhizomes – forms thickets in
very moist conditions. Oblong leaves are dark green on top, lighter below. Note: all parts may be
mildly toxic under certain conditions.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in summer – June to Sep. in native range. Extremely showy bloomer.
Many small, fragrant red-pink flowers in dense, wand-like clusters. This plant is a real show-stopper
and is used in gardens in the Pacific Northwest. Dry seed capsules remain on plant through winter.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Primarily used as an accent plant for its lush foliage and wonderful blooms.
Provides a woodsy look under pines, redwoods. Good source of pink flowers in summer habitat
garden. For moist areas like rain gardens in natural/informal gardens. Would work in a large
container. Nice for cut flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native perennials.
Excellent pollinator habitat: attracts insects, butterflies, hummingbirds. Birds enjoy the
seeds, particularly in winter.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade; dappled sun.
Any local texture; fine with acidic soils (pH 4.5 – 8.0)
Moist soils/regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3); tolerates seasonal flooding.
Not needed if organic mulch used.
Organic mulch.
Management:
Can spread aggressively in moist soils. Contain (best) or keep pruned back.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or 2-3 mo. cold-moist pre-treat by cuttings: fairly easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
8, 11, 13, 14
10/31/13
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