Spiraea henryi

Spiraea henryi is a deciduous shrub in the rose family, Rosaceae. It comes from central and southern China, in temperate regions. Its range includes Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan and Yunnan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In China, it grows in thickets, on rocky slopes, and in mountain forests. Records also place it among foothills. These habitats lie at elevations of about 4,920–9,840 feet [1,500–3,000 metres].

The shrub grows to about 10 feet [3 metres] tall. It loses its leaves during the dormant season. The supplied species account gives no mature spread. It flowers from July to August, with seeds ripening from September to October. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The evidence does not describe the flower colour or fruit shape. Nor does it give details of the bark or leaf shape.

Grow this shrub in full sun and moist soil. Plants For A Future states that it cannot grow in shade. It prefers good loam with a plentiful supply of moisture. It also tolerates sandy soils and heavy clay. Its soil range includes mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 5–9. Its preference for sun makes a sunny woodland edge a suitable garden site. The source values it as an ornamental shrub.

Plants For A Future lists two ways to raise new plants. Take half-ripe wood cuttings in July or August. Place these in light, sandy soil within a frame. Mature wood from the current year's growth provides another option. Take these cuttings in October or November, using an outdoor frame. The source also suggests growing it from seed. However, it states that it lacks species-specific seed guidance. This shrub can cross freely with other members of its genus.

The leaves have a recorded use for making tea. Plants For A Future gives its edible value a low rating. It lists no known medicinal uses or other practical uses. The same source reports no known hazards, rather than confirmed safety for people or pets. It records no weed potential. The supplied evidence names no particular pests or diseases for this species.