Steeplebush
Famous for its spires of showy pink flowers, Steeplebush also features excellent foliage that turns bright reddish-gold in the fall. Individual flowerets are similar to cultivated spireas, but this native forms a colony of upright, slender wand-like …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Wet |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Partial |
| Height | 2' - 3' |
| Bloom Color | Pink |
| Bloom Time | Aug, Sep |
| Spacing | 2' |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Root Type | Fibrous |
| Benefits | Pollinators, Host Plant |
Famous for its spires of showy pink flowers, Steeplebush also features excellent foliage that turns bright reddish-gold in the fall. Individual flowerets are similar to cultivated spireas, but this native forms a colony of upright, slender wand-like plants. Spiraea tomentosa requires a moist setting and is well suited for planting along shorelines, around ponds, in rain gardens, and naturalized swale or detention areas. It prefers full sun, but light shade is tolerated. Flowers occur on new wood, so prune in late winter or very early spring if needed.
Steeplebush, also known as "Hardhack,” is an uncommon shrub in wild, found in high quality wetland habitats where it often forms large colonies. Populations have declined because of urban sprawl, drainage projects, and destruction of wetlands. It is one of several host plants for the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon).
