White meadowsweet (Spiraea alba)

Also known as: Meadowsweet, Pipestem

White meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) is a long-lasting shrub, reaching heights between 91 and 183 cm. During the summer to fall, it produces clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers that attract butterflies and birds. After the blooming season, brown fruit forms. This shrub thrives in both sunny and partially shaded areas.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of White meadowsweet

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

2.5 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green Gold Yellow

Flower Size

3 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of White meadowsweet

Quickly Identify White meadowsweet

Alternate leaves with toothed margins, transitioning to striking yellow in fall.

Creamy-white flowers in pyramidal clusters, emitting a pleasant fragrance.

Tiny white or pale pink flowers in cone-shaped clusters up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.

Distinctive pod-shaped fruit follicles that split open to disperse seeds.

Smooth, slender stems with sparse branching, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height.

Scientific Classification of White meadowsweet

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Rose

Genus

Spirea

Species

White meadowsweet

Planting and Growing of White meadowsweet

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water White meadowsweet?

Spiraea alba, the graceful white meadowsweet, requires steady and consistent watering to maintain its lush appearance. It thrives on moderate watering where the soil is kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, and each session should ideally provide around 500 ml to the plant.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered White meadowsweet? ›

What should I do if my White meadowsweet is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered White meadowsweet? ›

How to save an overwatered White meadowsweet? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for White meadowsweet?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

For Spiraea alba, full sun to partial sun is ideal. This light range allows the plant to maximize blooming potential and achieve a healthy, vigorous growth habit while developing resilient leaves and strong root systems.

Question: What is the best lighting condition for Spiraea alba? ›

Solution: How can I achieve ideal lighting conditions for Spiraea alba? ›

Effect: What are the benefits of providing ideal lighting for Spiraea alba? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for White meadowsweet?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The optimal temperature range for growing Spiraea alba typically falls between 60°F and 75°F. Within this range, the plant can efficiently conduct photosynthesis and maintain healthy growth without experiencing temperature stress. This range allows the plant to thrive, producing ample foliage and potential flowers in the right light conditions.

What Soil is Best for White meadowsweet?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Spiraea alba thrives in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging around its roots. This attribute reduces the risk of root diseases and ensures optimal nutrient uptake, promoting lush growth and prolific flowering. This plant prefers soil enriched with organic matter. Rich soil facilitates healthy root development and provides essential nutrients, leading to vibrant blooms and robust growth. While good drainage is important, maintaining a level of consistent moisture is crucial. The balance between moisture and drainage helps in avoiding plant stress and contributes to sustained, healthy growth throughout the season. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize White meadowsweet?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Spiraea alba, commonly known as white meadowsweet, enjoys a balanced diet, similar to a well-rounded meal plan. For liquid fertilizers, mix a solution that is half the strength recommended on the package, as the roots are sensitive to too much nutrient influx. Slow-release fertilizers should be used sparingly, typically around a tablespoon per square foot of soil to avoid nutrient burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune White meadowsweet?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin pruning Spiraea alba in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut back the oldest stems to the base. Trim remaining stems down to about half their size to encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and shape the plant to your desired appearance. Be sure to maintain an open center for better air circulation. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate White meadowsweet plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect seeds from mature Spiraea alba plants and sow them in propagation trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover lightly with soil and maintain moisture until germination occurs in about 3-4 weeks.

Choose healthy stems and cut 4-6 inch sections. Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to increase chances of successful rooting.

Carefully dig up mature Spiraea alba plants, ensuring you preserve the root structure. Divide the plant into sections, each with a viable root system, and replant them immediately in suitable soil conditions.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot White meadowsweet plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Spiraea alba benefits from repotting when you notice roots circling the pot's base or emerging from the drainage holes. Additionally, if the plant shows signs of stunted growth or soil seems overly compact, these are good indicators it's time to repot.

Select a pot only slightly larger than the current one, with good drainage holes. A pot that's too large can retain excess water, leading to root rot. A well-sized pot ensures the roots have room to grow without drowning in moisture.

Opt for a well-draining loamy soil to keep Spiraea alba healthy. This type of soil retains necessary moisture while preventing water from stagnating around the roots, which promotes strong root growth and prevents diseases.