Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii)
Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii) is a shrub that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 1.5m – 3m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii).
This plant is commonly known as steeple bush.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: steeple bush
Scientific name: Spiraea douglasii
Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Suckering
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 1.5m – 3m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
Other types of Spiraea to consider:
See all Spiraea
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Spiraea douglasii likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Steeple bush (Spiraea douglasii) – UpdateNerd, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
