How to Grow Spiraea X Vanhouttei - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Spiraea x vanhouttei is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. The plant has a dense, upright growth habit and can reach a height of 10 feet. The leaves are ovate-shaped and the flowers are white. The plant blooms in the spring and summer.

How to Grow Spiraea X Vanhouttei - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Wedding veil
  • Bride's wreath
  • Dropwort
  • Meadowsweet
  • Parsley fern

Things to Know

  • Spiraea x vanhouttei is a deciduous shrub that is native to China.
  • It grows to a height of 3-5 m and has a spread of 2-3 m.
  • The leaves are ovate-shaped and have a toothed margin. They are dark green in colour and turn red or purple in autumn.
  • The flowers are white or pink in colour and borne in corymbs. They bloom in spring and early summer.
  • The fruit is a brown-black drupe that is about 5 mm in diameter.
  • The shrub is propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.
  • It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • The shrub is drought tolerant and does not require much maintenance.
  • It is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases.
  • This shrub was introduced to Europe in 1827 by Pierre-Joseph Redouté.

Related plant:
Spiraea Grefsheim

How to Grow

  1. For spiraea x vanhouttei, first step is to choose a planting location. This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s roots.
  3. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Tamp down the soil around the base of the plant.
  5. Water the plant thoroughly.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  7. Once the plant is established, water it on a regular basis.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a year with a general purpose fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful spiraea x vanhouttei!

Related plant:
Spiraea Nipponica Snowmound

The Soil

About soil condition, Spiraea x vanhouttei prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. It is not particular about soil type, as long as the soil is not poorly-drained. This shrub is also tolerant of salty conditions.

Light requirement

Just like other spiraea plants, the spiraea x vanhouttei requires full sun to partial sun in order to prosper. It is best to plant this shrub in an area of your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it is best to provide some afternoon shade for your vanhouttei spiraea.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for the Spiraea x vanhouttei is that it should be in a location that has full sun to partial shade. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to make sure that the plant does not get too much direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60 percent. If the humidity level falls below 40 percent, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. The flowers will also start to wilt and drop off the plant. If the humidity level rises above 60 percent, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off the plant. The flowers will also start to wilt and drop off the plant.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant need little to no fertilizer. However, a light fertilizer may be applied in early spring if desired. The roots of this plant are rather shallow, so be careful not to damage them when working in the area.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of spiraea x vanhouttei care. This shrub blooms on new wood, so it is important to prune it regularly to encourage new growth and flower production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Spiraea x vanhouttei can be pruned quite heavily if necessary, and will still produce an abundance of flowers.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of spiraea x vanhouttei is typically done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained, sterile potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer. However, during the fall and winter the growth rate typically decreases. Nevertheless, with the proper amount of care, this plant can still thrive and produce beautiful flowers during these colder months.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are black leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and stem canker. Black leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn black and eventually fall off. Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to become covered in a white, powdery substance. Root rot is a serious disease that can kill the plant, and is caused by too much water and/or poor drainage. Stem canker is a fungal disease that affects the stems of the plant, causing them to become black and brittle.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
  • Apply a general-purpose fertilizer to the soil around your plant every month.
  • Prune your plant in early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Spiraea x vanhouttei is a deciduous plant, so it will lose its leaves in autumn.
  • This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • This plant is moderately tolerant of drought.
  • This plant is not tolerant of salt.
  • This plant is deer resistant.
  • This plant attracts bees and butterflies.
  • This plant is resistant to diseases and pests.

Similar Plants

  • Spiraea x vanhouttei Bridal Wreath Spiraea
  • Spiraea x watsoniana 'Superba'
  • Spiraea x watsoniana 'Superba'
  • Spiraea x watsoniana 'Superba'
  • Spiraea x crenata 'Golden Princess'
  • Spiraea x japonica
  • Spiraea x crenata
  • Spiraea x crenata 'Golden Princess'
  • Spiraea x japonica 'Goldflame'
  • Spiraea x crenata 'Golden Princess'

Source:
Vanhoutte Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) - Selecting Shrubs for …
Vanhoutte Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei)
Spiraea x vanhouttei | Landscape Plant Propagation Information

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category