Germander Meadowsweet

Spiraea chamaedryfolia

Also known as: Spiraea fleuosa

Native to:
Austria, Bulgaria, China, Greece, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Spiraea
Species:
Spiraea chamaedryfolia
USDA Symbol:
SPCH3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from the root crown following fire or cutting.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with good organic content

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds are tiny and require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 10C.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society