Spiraea × Vanhouttei, Vanhoutte Spirea, Bridalwreath Stock Photo

Spiraea × vanhouttei, called Vanhoutte spirea or bridalwreath, is a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with branching that arches gracefully toward the ground. It is a hybrid cross between S. trilobata x S. cantoniensis. It typically grows 5-8’ tall with a spread to 7-10’ wide. It is particularly noted for its showy spring bloom. Tiny white flowers each to 1/3” diameter appear in late April to May in umbellate clusters to 2” wide that profusely cover the leafy branching. Small, rhombic to obovate, coarsely serrate, dark blue-green leaves to 1.5” long may have or at least suggest 3-5 lobes. Fall color is usually undistinguished, but attractive purplish hues may sometimes develop.Genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.