What soil does Nippon spirea grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous.

Is Nippon spirea hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Nippon spirea be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Nippon spirea be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2 plants per metre.

How much water does Nippon spirea need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Nippon spirea cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 2,200 to HUF 4,500 in local shops, depending on size.

Nippon spirea

Spiraea nipponica

Nippon spirea (Spiraea nipponica) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,200.

Illustration of Nippon spirea — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dense, tough shrub with arching branches that are covered along their whole length with clusters of tiny white flowers in late spring and early summer, as if dusted with snow. It grows in almost any soil and shrugs off frost, city air and neglect, so it works well as a low, informal flowering hedge or in a shrub group. Prune it straight after flowering, since it blooms on last year's wood: cut it in winter or spring and you lose that year's flowers.

Watch out for

Serious trouble is rare. Aphids, powdery mildew and leaf spot may appear, and fire blight of the rose family can infect it, though not often. Leaves may brown in prolonged summer drought, and it flowers poorly in deep shade.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.9–2.4 m × 0.9–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 2,200

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. HUF 2,200
size not stated	approx. HUF 3,300 – HUF 4,500

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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