Spirea, Tor

Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor'

Height: 2-3ft
Spread: 2-3ft
Zone: 4-8
Exposure: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time/Color: May-June; white
Uses: Hedge, specimen, massing, borders
Maintenance: Low
Other: Fall color, deer resistant, attracts butterflies

Birchleaf spirea are sophisticated cousins to the garish and colorful Japanese spirea. They are still tremendously rugged; they can be mowed, sheared, butchered, and still come back as if nothing had happened. Most come in varying shades of green or blue-green foliage (which is reminiscent of a birch leaf) and fall colors vary from reds to purples. All cultivars get white, flat-topped blooms that seem to flower for weeks and are great for attracting pollinators and butterflies. Spirea are very hardy and thrive on neglect; only really needing full sun in any growing condition. 'Tor' makes an excellent rounded mound, with white early summer flowers and red/orange/burgundy fall color.