Spiraea nipponica Halwards Silver

Spiraea nipponica Halward's Silver is a charming small Japanese Spiraea that offers spectacular flowering in late spring. The flexible branches of this bush, covered with small dark green leaves, bend under the weight of a profusion of white flower clusters, as if the plant were covered in snow. Undemanding, of modest stature, it will earn its place in all gardens. Its compact and spreading habit makes it suitable for the front of borders, in rockeries, or for cultivation in containers or flowerbeds. It will adapt to all climates, except for excessively arid conditions.

The 'Halward's Silver' Japanese Spiraea belongs to the Rosaceae family, and its ancestor is native to China and Japan. The growth of this bush is rapid, and its adult size will reach approximately 1.20 m (4ft) in height, with a spread of 1.50 m (5 ft). This Japanese Spiraea has a dense habit, both spreading and low. The particularly generous flowering takes place from May to June and covers the bush with countless small white clusters, in flattened corymbs of 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in), consisting of tiny single flowers. They attract many insects and butterflies. The main branches are erect and upright, carrying arched stems. The foliage is glossy, composed of small alternate, simple leaves, 1 to 3 cm (1in) long, dark green on top and bluish underneath. Flowers and leaves appear on the same side of the branches. This Spiraea has deciduous foliage, which turns golden in autumn before falling.

Plant Halward's Silver Spiraea in well-drained soil, preferably in full sun or partial shade. It will adapt to all climates and all types of soil but dislikes dense shade or extremely hot or arid conditions. This bush can be planted alone or in large borders or flowerbeds. To fill a large slope, combine it with brooms, dwarf buddleias, ground cover roses, etc. It will also be enhanced in front of the purple foliage of a hazelnut tree or cotinus, for example.

The word Spiraea means "curling" or "garland" in Greek; a legend says that the Queen of the Meadows used these flowers to make garlands. It was in the 16th century that the botanist Charles de l'Escluse attributed the name Spiraea to the entire genus. The nipponica species is native to Japan, and the Japanese Spiraea was recently introduced. It was discovered by the German naturalist Siebold in 1885 but was not introduced to Europe until 1908. It has been used to create several cultivars.