Douglas Spirea Spiraea douglasii
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Douglas spirea, this plant is distinguished by its dense clusters of small, deep pink to rose-colored flowers that form cylindrical or cone-shaped inflorescences. The blooms create a striking display when they appear amidst the foliage during the flowering season. The leaves of the Douglas spirea are deciduous, meaning they shed seasonally. They are usually lance-shaped and serrated at the edges, with a dark green color that turns yellow in the fall, offering seasonal interest. The branches of the Douglas spirea are often reddish-brown, and as they mature, they can become more woody and rigid. It is a shrub that typically forms thickets, as it spreads through both seeds and root shoots, allowing it to cover areas with its lush growth. When not in bloom, the plant maintains a green, leafy appearance due to its dense foliage, which provides a background for the vividly colored flowers in the blooming season. Overall, the Douglas spirea is known for its showy floral display and vibrant foliage, making it a popular choice for natural landscapes and garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Douglas' Spirea, Hardhack, Steeple Bush, Western Spirea, Rose Spirea, Douglas' Meadowsweet
Common names
Spiraea douglasii var. menziesii, Spiraea menziesii.
ToxicityTo humans
Douglas spirea is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant studies indicating that Douglas spirea is poisonous upon ingestion. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, so it's always prudent to avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
Douglas spirea is typically not recognized as toxic to pets. There is limited information on the plant's toxicity to animals such as dogs and cats, and it does not appear on most lists of poisonous plants for pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a significant amount of the plant and is showing symptoms of illness, you should contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Design: Douglas spirea is often used in landscape design for its lush, feather-like flower clusters, which add texture and depth to garden beds and borders.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant provides a food source for pollinators such as butterflies and bees, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: Douglas spirea's root system helps stabilize soil and control erosion, particularly along stream banks and sloped areas.
- Low Maintenance: It is considered a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established, which makes it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth habit, it can be used to create natural privacy screens or as part of a hedgerow.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant provides year-round interest with its seasonal changes, from blooming flowers in the summer to its foliage in the fall.
- Habitat Restoration: It can be used in habitat restoration projects to help restore native plant communities.
Medical Properties- Antirheumatic: Traditionally used by some Native American tribes to treat rheumatism.
- Astringent: The plant has been used for its astringent properties, helpful in treating diarrhoea and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Diuretic: Spiraea douglasii may act as a diuretic to help promote the excretion of urine.
- Febrifuge: Can be used to reduce fever, according to traditional uses.
- Tonic: Known to have been used as a general tonic to promote overall health and well-being.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Hardhack is used by indigenous people to create a dark brown or reddish dye for coloring basketry and other crafts.
- Traditional Tool Making: The tough wood of the Hardhack plant is sometimes used to fashion small tools or handles for traditional purposes.
- Floristry: The flowers of Hardhack are used in floral arrangements and bouquets for their attractive appearance and long-lasting qualities.
- Erosion Control: Hardhack plants are often integrated into planting schemes aimed at stabilizing soil in areas prone to erosion due to their dense root systems.
- Horticulture: Hardhack is occasionally used as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks for its clusters of pink flowers and lush foliage.
- Wildlife Habitat: Hardhack thickets provide valuable shelter and breeding grounds for birds and small mammals.
- Nectar Source: The flowers are a rich source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects during the blooming season.
- Privacy Screening: The dense growth pattern of Hardhack makes it an effective natural screen for privacy in residential properties and parkland.
- Living Wattle Fences: The branches of Hardhack can be woven together to create traditional wattle fences for containing livestock or marking property boundaries.
- Riparian Plantings: Hardhack is suited for plantings alongside waterways to help shade and protect stream banks and support riparian ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Douglas spiraea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Douglas spiraea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Douglas spirea is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability in life.
- Growth - With its lush foliage and fast-growing nature, this plant often represents personal or spiritual growth.
- Protection - The dense clusters of the Douglas spirea provide shelter for wildlife, which can symbolize protection and safety.
WaterDouglas Spirea prefers moist but well-drained soil and requires consistent watering, especially in the warmer seasons. It is important to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Reduce watering in the cooler months to prevent over-saturation, which could lead to root rot.
LightDouglas Spirea thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Place the plant in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flower production. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat stress.
TemperatureDouglas Spirea is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperature conditions, surviving winters with temperatures as low as -20°F and summers with high temperatures well into the 90s°F. The ideal temperature range for promoting healthy growth and abundant blooms is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningPrune Douglas Spirea to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, as well as to remove any dead or diseased branches. The ideal time for pruning is after it blooms in the summer, as it flowers on new wood; pruning in early spring can remove the flower buds. Thinning out old stems every few years also helps rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDouglas Spirea thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. To create an optimal soil mix, combine garden soil, peat moss, and compost in equal parts, ensuring good aeration and water retention.
RepottingDouglas Spirea doesn't typically require repotting as it is often grown outdoors; it can be transplanted or divided every few years to manage its growth.
Humidity & MistingDouglas Spirea prefers outdoor conditions and is generally not sensitive to humidity, thriving in the natural humidity range of its environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Hardy to grow indoors, needs bright light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade, moist soil, space 2-3 feet apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDouglas spirea begins its life as a seed that requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic lance-shaped leaves. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage, growing stems and foliage, and eventually reaches reproductive maturity, producing dense clusters of tiny pink to purple flowers during the summer. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant develops small capsule-like fruits, which eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. In autumn, the deciduous shrub sheds its leaves and enters a period of dormancy through the winter months. Over many years, Douglas spirea can form extensive colonies via vegetative reproduction through its rhizomes, creating thickets in its native wetland habitats.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Douglas spirea, or Spiraea douglasii, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible but has begun to mature. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with a few leaves left at the top. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cuttings, which can be done by covering them with a plastic bag or placing them in a propagator. Roots are usually formed within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be potted up separately and grown on until they are ready to be planted outside.
