Spiraea tomentosa, commonly known as steeplebush, is a moisture loving native shrub with upright spires of bright pink flowers in mid to late summer. Its fuzzy toothed leaves and suckering habit make it ideal for pollinator habitat restoration. Height & Spread: 2 - 4 ft x 3 - 5 ft Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade Soil Preference: Moist to wet acidic soils; ideal for boggy areas Watering Needs: High; prefers consistently wet soils Deer Resistance: Somewhat deer resistant Native Status This species is native to eastern North America and is commonly found in wetlands, bogs, and along streams. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Butterflies Provides nectar to butterflies including Monarchs and Common Buckeye during late summer. Bees Highly attractive to bumblebees and native sweat bees for its dense midsummer blooms. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations Space 3 - 5 ft apart in naturalistic or massed plantings to allow for suckering spread. Landscape Placement Perfect for rain gardens, streambanks, wetland edges, or pollinator meadows where soil remains moist and acidic. Companion Plants Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) - Adds brilliant red blooms and thrives in similar wet soil conditions. Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed) - Offers bold purple flower clusters that bloom alongside steeplebush. Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) - Adds fine textured foliage and supports moist habitat planting structure. Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) - Provides pink and white late summer blooms in damp locations. Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) - Complements Spiraea tomentosa in pollinator rich, moisture retentive plantings.
