Landscape Alternatives
Similar to Spiraea japonica L.f.
These native shrubs are good substitutes for Japanese spiraea in the landscape.
Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius, has showy white flower clusters in May, exfoliating bark, and colorful foliage (cultivars). Attrative to bees, birds, and butterflies.
Arrowwood, Viburnum dentatum, features showy white flower clusters in spring, black fruit in fall, and great fall color. Attractive to bees, birds, and butterflies.
Steeplebush or Hardhack, Spiraea tomentosa, has narrowly conical spires of bright pink flowers and is attractive to butterflies.
Alabama Snowwreath, Neviusia alabamensis, has loads of feathery white flowers in spring and assumes a mounded form.
Summersweet or Sweet Pepperbush, Clethra alnifolia, produces fragrant spires of white to pink flowers in summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Piedmont Azalea and Pinxterbloom Azalea, Rhododendron canescens and R. periclymenoides, are deciduous azaleas with large, showy clusters of fragrant pink flowers in spring and great fall color. Attractive to bees and butterflies.