The double-flowered form of this species was botanically described prior in time to the single-flowered plant, hence the double flowered form became the species type and the single flowered form became a variety or form of the species, as Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora[].

Common Name: Bridalwreath Spiraea

General Information

Spiraea prunifolia is a dense, deciduous shrub with gracefully arching branches; it can grow up to 300cm tall and as much wide[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is commonly grown as an ornamental in gardens, especially in eastern Asia[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Thickets, slopes, rocks, steep dry cliffs, sunny places; also commonly cultivated; at elevations from near sea level to 1,500 metres[]. Stony and barren places in C. And S. Korea[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Spiraea prunifolia can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°c[].
Prefers a position in full sun, but tolerant of light shade[].Tolerates most soils[], but prefers a good, well-drained, loamy soil with abundant moisture[, , ]. Plants can tolerate short periods of drought[].
Species in this genus generally hybridize freely with other members of this genus, and so seed cannot be relied upon to come true unless the plant has been grown in isolation from other species that are flowering at the same time[].
Flowers are produced on the previous seasons growth and any pruning is best done immediately after flowering in order to promote new growth and plenty of flowers in the following year[].
The flowers are attractive to butterflies[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[, ].

Medicinal

The plant is emetic[]. It is used in the treatment of malaria and fever[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a light sandy soil a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, autumn in an outdoor frame[].