What are spirea shrubs?

Spirea are deciduous shrubs, which means they lose their leaves in the fall. They thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 8 and are easy to grow for a beginning gardener. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun though they can tolerate some shade.

Spirea are prized for producing masses of pink or white flower clusters. The two main types of spirea are known for how their flowers are produced. Spring blooming spirea have flowers all up and down their stems, while summer blooming spirea produce flowers at the ends of the stems. Some types of spirea bloom twice a year.