Spiraea alba aka White Meadowsweet

Taxonomy ID: 11059

Genus Spiraea Family Rosaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Spiraea alba, also known as meadowsweet, white meadowsweet, narrowleaf meadowsweet, pale bridewort, or pipestem, is a shrub native to the Allegheny Mountains and other parts of eastern North America. However, it is currently endangered in Missouri and has been naturalized in other regions of the world. The plant can grow up to 8 feet in height and has glossy yellow-green leaves that are oblong or lance-shaped with toothed edges. Its twigs are tough and yellowish brown, and it has golden yellow fall foliage. Meadowsweet is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and prefers long-lasting direct light. It grows best in soil that retains moisture and does not require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. The plant belongs to the Spiraea genus and is native to North America.

Common names

White Meadowsweet, Meadowsweet, Pale Bridewort

More information about White Meadowsweet

How difficult is it to take care of White Meadowsweet

White Meadowsweet requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

What is the growth pattern and size of White Meadowsweet?

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

What is the region of origin of White Meadowsweet

White Meadowsweet’s native range is North-eastern N. America - Ontario to New York, North Carolina, Saskatchewan, Indiana and Missouri.

What are the water needs for White Meadowsweet

White Meadowsweet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for White Meadowsweet

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your White Meadowsweet is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

What is the sunlight requirement for White Meadowsweet

To ensure optimal growth, the White Meadowsweet prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

How to fertilize White Meadowsweet

The White Meadowsweet should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Is White Meadowsweet toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

What seasonal care does White Meadowsweet need?

During the cold period, it is common for White Meadowsweet to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

Report a problem • Suggest Edit

Ploi app icon Ploi app icon

About Ploi

Ploi is a highly rated plant care app (4.99 stars) with built-in AI plant identification. Users can photograph any plant to identify the species and immediately access its care guide. Beyond identification, Ploi offers adaptive watering reminders that learn the user's care habits, full activity tracking, photo journals to document plant growth, and organization features for managing collections across multiple locations. Available on iOS, Android and web.

App Store Google Play

More Species in Spiraea Genus

Spiraea cantoniensis Reeves' Meadowsweet

Spiraea chamaedryfolia Germander Spirea

Spiraea alba White Meadowsweet

Spiraea tomentosa Steeplebush

Spiraea blumei Montane Spiraea

Spiraea betulifolia White Spirea

Spiraea prunifolia Bridal Wreath Spiraea

Spiraea thunbergii Thunberg's Meadowsweet

Spiraea douglasii Rose Spirea

Spiraea nipponica Snowmound Spiraea