White flowers appear in early to midsummer, but this spirea is at its most colorful in autumn, when the dark green, birch-like leaves turn rich shades of red, orange, and purple Early spirea (Spiraea thunbergii): Birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia):Ī compact, rounded shrub growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. The deep blue-green leaves are a handsome attribute during the summer months. Bouquet-like clusters of small white flowers smother the branches in late spring. Nippon spirea is an upright, mounded shrub reaching 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with graceful overhanging branches. In fall, the finely serrated green leaves turn shades of yellow, red, and orange.

One of the largest of the spirea species, bridal wreath reaches 4 to 8 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide and has loose, arching branches that give it a fountain-like effect. This old-fashioned classic is instantly recognizable by its tiny carnation-like double white flowers that cover the bare branches in early spring. Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia): Most varieties have finely textured green or blue-green leaves, but some cultivars have yellow or chartreuse foliage that changes color throughout the season. Sizes range from dwarf types, such as ‘Little Princess’, to larger shrubs that grow to 5 feet or taller. It produces abundant clusters of white, light pink, rosy red or purple flowers that adorn the branches in late spring and summer. Available in a wide array of cultivars, Japanese spirea offers the most variety in terms of size, flower color, and leaf color.

Spirea tor birchleaf