Spiraea cantoniensis, commonly known as the Double White May Bush or Double Bridal Wreath Spirea, is a stunning deciduous shrub that brings a burst of white flowers to your garden each spring.
With its graceful arching branches, it grows to around 2 meters in height and spreads 2-3 meters wide, making it an excellent choice for adding a natural, weeping beauty to your landscape.
Key Features of Spiraea cantoniensis:
- Common Names: Double Bridal Wreath Spirea, May Bush, White May Bush, Reeves Spirea
- Height: Up to 2 meters (6 feet)
- Spread: 2-3 meters (6-10 feet)
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Foliage: Small, deciduous leaves
- Hardiness: Frost-tolerant, drought-tolerant once established
- Climate Zones: Cool to warm temperate climates – USDA Zones: 7-11
- Growth Rate: Medium to fast
How To grow Spiraea cantoniensis: Care and Planting Tips
Spiraea cantoniensis thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil and benefits from a sunny position, although it will tolerate a little afternoon shade in warmer climates. Here’s how to care for this beautiful shrub:
- Soil: Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil for optimal growth.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, though partial or light afternoon shade works in hot climates.
- Watering: Water well when planting and continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Use a liquid seaweed fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Planting: Weed the area well and dig a planting hole twice the diameter of the pot. Add some aged cow manure and compost. Plant and water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the root zone cool.
- Spacing: Ensure adequate space for growth. Spiraea can spread to 2-3 meters wide, so plant it where it can reach its full potential.
This a reasonably drought tolerant plant once established, and is fast growing.
Landscaping uses.
This shrub’s graceful, weeping habit makes it perfect for various landscaping uses:
- Garden Borders: Plant along garden borders where its cascading branches can soften edges and create a natural, flowing look.
- Fencing and Walls: Use it near fences to soften hard lines and add texture.
- Background Planting: Spiraea cantoniensis looks striking when planted behind smaller shrubs or flowers, adding height and contrast.
- Hedges and Specimen Planting: Use it as an informal hedge or a standout specimen especially when in flower in your lawn or garden.
Pruning Spiraea cantoniensis
Pruning Spiraea cantoniensis is relatively simple and helps maintain its shape and vigor. The plant flowers on old wood (previous year’s growth), so the best time to prune is right after it finishes blooming. Here’s how to keep your spirea in top shape:
- Light Pruning: After flowering, remove spent flowers and trim lightly to maintain shape.
- Rejuvenating Pruning: Every few years, remove the oldest canes to encourage new growth and rejuvenate the shrub.
- Hard Pruning: If necessary, you can perform a hard prune to restore the plant’s health, but this should be done after flowering, as it blooms on last year’s growth.
Spiraea cantoniensis ‘lanceata’ ( syn flora pleno) in a named cultivar to look for.
Botanical Profile of Spiraea cantoniensis
- Botanical name : Spirea cantonensis lanceata
- Family : Roseacae
- Common Names : May Bush, White May Bush, Reeves May Bush.
- Origins : Native to China
- Position : Part shade to full sun depending on climate zone.
- Soil : Humus rich and well drained.
- Height : To around 2m (6ft)
- Growth rate : medium to fast.
- Spread : To around 1.5m (4ft)
- Foliage : Small leafed deciduous.
- Flowers : White
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Watering Needs: Regular watering, but drought-tolerant once establishedFrost Tolerant :Yes
- Drought Tolerant : Medium
- Climate Zones
- Cool temperate to warm temperate, USDA Zones 7 -11.
The Name Spiraea?
Spiraea means Wreath in Ancient Greek. Cantoniensis refers to Canton in China and lanceata refers to the foliage meaning spear shaped.
So a wreath like flower from canton with spear shaped leaves.
Other Spirea species. Around 100 other species from Europe through to eastern Asia.
- S. cantoniensis ‘Flora Pleno’ (syn S.lanceata) with the popular ‘Reeve’s Spirea worth seeking out.
- Spiraea japonica – This is known as the Japanese spiraea with the cultivar ‘Gold Flame being popular’
- S. thunbergii – Masses of white flowers on a drought tolerant plant
Conclusion:
Spiraea cantoniensis is an attractive, low-maintenance shrub that provides stunning springtime blooms and enhances the beauty of any landscape. Whether used in borders, as an informal hedge, or as a specimen plant, it offers versatility and charm. With minimal care and regular pruning, it will continue to flourish and add beauty to your garden for years to come.
Spiraea cantoniensis is available for sale from the following nurseries.
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au