Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia)

common name:

Bridal wreath spirea

scientific name:

Spiraea

prunifolia

White blooms with layered petals surrounded by vibrant green leaves on a shrub.

Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) blooming on UNL’s East Campus in April 2026.

Image Creadit:

Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant

Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) is a classic spring-flowering deciduous shrub known for its graceful, arching branches covered in clusters of small, double white flowers. Blooming in early to mid-spring, it creates a cascading “bridal veil” effect that makes it a standout in the landscape. The finely textured green foliage provides a soft backdrop throughout the growing season and may develop subtle fall color. This durable shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soils but adapts to a range of conditions, including clay soils and urban environments.

Charecteristics

Plant type:

Deciduous shrub

Hardiness Zones:

4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8

Light Needs:

Full Sun

Water Needs:

Moist

Space Requirements:

6 -12 feet

Height Requirements:

6– 0 feet

Spread Requirements:

5–8 feet

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

Spring

Leaf Color:

Green

Wildlife Attraction:

Birds

Butterflies

Companion Plant Tolerance:

Deer

Clay Soil

Air Pollution

Uses:

Hedge

Varieties

‘Plena’

‘Plena’ is the most commonly grown form of bridal wreath spirea, valued for its fully double white flowers that create a dense, showy display along arching stems. It offers a more dramatic flowering effect than single-flowered forms.

‘Flore Pleno’

‘Flore Pleno’ is another double-flowered selection similar to ‘Plena,’ featuring abundant, rose-like white blooms and a graceful, arching habit ideal for traditional landscape plantings.