Holodiscus discolor 'macrophylus'
Common Name(s):
Oceanspray
Creambush
Synonym:
Rock-spiraea
Flower:
White
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Aug
Soft, creamy white, clusters (20 cm long) hang down, they turn brown and persist
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Rosaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Gray-Green
Leaves, simple, alternate, to 10 cm long, shallowly toothed or lobed, grayish green.
Fall Color?
NO
Reddish Leaves, not conspicuous
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Older bark is dark red to brown or gray and exfoliating. Blooms dry and form brown seeds that persist thru the winter.
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Native from British Columbia to California and Idaho
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
YES
Height:
10-15'
Spread:
15-20'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Native from British Columbia to California and Idaho, found on well-drained to dry sites, in sun and shade (OSU Landscape). Rocky, north-facing slopes; moist, open woods; stream banks; below 7000 ft. (LBJ)
Soil:
Adapted to course, medium and fine textured soils with pH 5.0 to 7.5. Prefers rocky/gravelly soils.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
Shredded bark, hardwood chips, leaf mold
Other than occasional pruning to shape, there is little maintenance required. Oceanspray is also not prone to disease or pests, making it a congenial specimen for a sunny/woodland garden.
Long Term:
Winter:
Stop watering, ensure sharp drainage, perform light structural pruning to remove ead, damaged, or diseased wood in late winter, leave flower clusters for structural interest and food
Spring:
Clear away winter debris, give occasional deep watering during dry spells, apply light layer of compost or skip entirely
Summer:
Prune severely each year after flowering to maintain a loose, graceful shrub.
Fall:
Reduce watering significantly, avoid heavy pruning, leave dried flower plune for the birdss, clear up broken or dead branches, mulch
General Care Comments:
As a poor competitor, ocean spray benefits from weed control when young. The fibrous root system requires well drained soil at least 12 in. deep. Consider supplemental irrigation during establishment year or years with low rainfall. Thin old canes right at ground level every few years
Common Problems
Overwatering, heat stress
Diseases:
Largely free of diseases although susceptible to fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) and a fungal leaf spot (Septogloeum sp.): https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/ocean-spray-holodiscus-sp-leaf-spots . It is also a host of the root parasite, pin
Insects:
Largely free of insect pests though aphids have been reported.
Environmental Problems:
Broad adaption to various environments makes it aa popular ornamental for highway plantings
Pests:
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