Spiraea × vanhouttei
| Spiraea × vanhouttei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Typically vigorous growth | |
 | |
| Close-up of inflorescence | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Spiraea |
| Species: | S. × vanhouttei |
| Binomial name | |
| Spiraea × vanhouttei (Briot) Carrière | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Spiraea × vanhouttei, called Van Houtte's spiraea, Vanhoutte spirea, or bridal wreath, is an artificial hybrid species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae.[2] Its parents are Spiraea cantoniensis, Reeves' spirea, (from southeastern China) and Spiraea trilobata, the Asian meadowsweet, (from Central Asia, southern Siberia, and northern China).[1] A vigorous deciduous shrub reaching 2 m (7 ft), it is typically found in human-influenced situations such as old hedges, homesteads, and alongside roads at elevations from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).[3] Although considered introduced in Europe and the eastern United States, it appears to be sterile.[3]
In cultivation
The original cross was made by Charles Billiard at Fontenay-aux-Roses and released to the public in 1862, and was popularized by Louis van Houtte.[4] Within a century it was thought to be the most widely planted deciduous shrub in the US.[5] Hardy to USDA zone 3a, best results are had by pruning any stems that have turned woody back to ground level after the April to May flowering period.[5][6] There are a number of cultivars, with 'Gold Fountain' and 'Pink Ice' being readily available from commercial nurseries.[7][8]
References
- 1 2 "Spiraea × vanhouttei (Briot) Carrière". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Profile Spiraea × vanhouttei Van Houtte's spiraea". Find a plant. The Royal Horticultural Society. 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
Other common names; bridal wreath ... 7 suppliers
- 1 2 "17. Spiraea ×vanhouttei (Briot) Carrière, Rev. Hort. 48: 260. 1876. (as species) Bridal-wreath". Flora of North America. Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria. 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ Klingaman, Gerald (7 March 2003). "Plant of the Week Vanhoutte Spirea". Plant of the Week. Little Rock, AR: University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
- 1 2 Hildreth, A. C. (February 1951). "Ornamental Shrubs for the Southern Great Plains". Farmers' Bulletin. 2025. United States Department of Agriculture: 62. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
- ↑ "Spiraea × vanhouttei". Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. 2026. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Profile Spiraea × vanhouttei 'Gold Fountain' Van Houtte's spiraea 'Gold Fountain'". Find a plant. The Royal Horticultural Society. 2026. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
semi-evergreen ... 8 suppliers
- ↑ "RHS Plant Profile Spiraea × vanhouttei 'Pink Ice' (v)". Find a plant. The Royal Horticultural Society. 2026. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
Synonyms; Spiraea bullata 'Pink Ice' Spiraea japonica 'Pink Ice' Spiraea × vanhouttei 'Catpan' ... 8 suppliers