Buy Spiraea douglasii

Also Known As

Spiraea douglasii var. douglasii
Spirea douglasii
Douglas Spirea
Hardhack
Oregon Douglas Spirea
Western Spirea

Plant type

shrub, aquatic

size

H: 6'-10'
W: 5'-6'

planting zones

5a-10b

1 gallon | $39

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42 at Forestfarm

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Spiraea douglasii plant details

Spiraea douglasii is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous aquatic shrub with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - shade and standing water - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Spiraea douglasii

Plant type: aquatic shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, native plant, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Spiraea douglasii

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: standing water - occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Spiraea douglasii or hardhack is a BC native of moist to wet sunny habitats with upright stems from rhizomatous roots offering very showing spires of pink to deep pink fuzzy flowers popular with native bees and butterflies. Deer resistant. Hardy to zone 4, possibly to zone 3. A vigorous spreader. Plant where this habit is desirable or where hardscape features will control its spread. Plants are a larval host to many butterfly species including the Lorquin's admiral, swallowtail, and spring azure butterflies. Photo: Wikipedia.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This small (to 3') shrub of western mountain meadows has silver-?furred? buds and leaves (silvery beneath) which complement its 3-4", rose-pink flower clusters in summer and then turn to a glowing orange for fall. S/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Douglas Spirea has cone-shaped flowers similar to those of a lilac as opposed to the flat, splayed flowers of most other Spirea species. The flowers are bright pink and long lasting, making this an excellent choice for flower arrangements and bouquets. Douglas Spirea is more adaptable to varying conditions than most other Spirea species, growing in both sunny and deep shade environments and tolerating wet boggy soils as well as dry rocky soils.

Deer rarely bother this plant, especially because stems become woody and strong rather quickly to the point where deer would only really eat the tips. This is also another reason this plant works well for producing cut flowers; by the time a stem produces a flower it has solidified enough that it will not wilt.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Known for its conical rose colored flowers that bloom from June to September.

By: Maples N More Nursery

Western Mountain Spirea. Deer resistant. Likes shade. Will grow in damp places. Mature size only about 3 feet tall. Silver 'furred' buds and leaves are silver underneath. Rose pink flower clusters in summer. Orange fall color in fall.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Easy as pie, "Hardhack" makes a fabulous screening plant or a non-stop Summer blooming showstopper for the back of the border. A fast grower, it's covered in showy bee, butterfly & hummer magnet clusters of pretty, pink & poofy, 4-6" long blooms June through September. Native to Northern California up into British Columbia, it's typically found in moist locations, but is very adaptable in the garden. Growing to 6-10' tall & 5' wide, it can take tons of water, but if you plant it in part-shade with some friends & occasional water it will do just fine, too. Pretty, green foliage is covered in white fuzz on the underside. Extra credit points for putting on a glorious golden show of leaves in Fall, it's an awesome option to intermingle with Redwoods.