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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Douglas's Spirea
rose spirea
Western Spiraea
Latin Name:
Spiraea douglasii
Taxon ID#
104
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
M
Soil Preference:
Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.. Soil PH: 5 - 7
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Rosaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Rose spirea occurs naturally from southern
Alaska south to northern California and east to western
Montana. The elevation range is sea-level to 6,500 ft in
the mountains.
Oregon native:
yes
Western state native:
yes
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Oval green leaves (to 4" long) are felty white-tomentose beneath.
Fragrant:
yes
Predominant flower color:
Pink
Flower Description:
Tiny, fragrant reddish
pink flowers are borne in dense, elongate clusters at the end of shoots. The clusters appear 'fuzzy' from the abundance of long stamens
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Not Found
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
2-7'
Mature spread:
3-6'
Growth rate:
Fast Growing
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
yes
Attracts Pollinators:
no
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Rose spirea grows best in full sun to dappled shade and in
a wide range of soils (gravelly sandy loams to heavy
clays) that range from acidic to neutral (pH 4.5-7.5) and
from moist well drained to wet and poorly drained
(hydric). The species tolerates ext
Attracts Birds:
no
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Photo:
Used by Wildlife:
yes
Hedge/Screen:
yes
Swales:
yes
Wildlife Use:
Rose spirea provides good cover for birds and small
mammals. Grouse apparently eat the dried spikes and
other wildlife consume the seed filled capsules. The
flowers are a source of nectar for hummingbirds,
butterflies, and other pollinator insects
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
no
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
Jun
Last Bloom:
Sep
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
Fall Care:
Winter Care:
Long Term Care:
This species can become invasive, as it
spreads readily by suckers and seedlings, especially on
flat, moist to wet sites in full sun. Dense thickets can
become nearly impenetrable and too competitive for other
desirable plant species. It may not be suitab
Insect Pests:
It is host to several insect pests including aphids, leaf
rollers, and scales.
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Rose spirea may be susceptible to fire blight disease
which causes dieback of tips and scorched looking leaves.
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to fireblight, leaf spot, powdery mildew and die back. Potential insect pests include aphids and scale.
Care Comments:
Remove suckers promptly to prevent plants from spreading to form thickets.
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden
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