Rock Spirea (Holodiscus dumosus), also known as Mountain Spray, is an excellent shrub for bringing beauty and texture to dry garden areas. From late spring to midsummer, Rockspirea bursts into bloom with airy sprays of creamy-white flowers that arch gracefully over fine, green foliage. These lightly fragrant blossoms and the shrub's slender, arching stems add a soft, romantic touch to dry slopes, rock gardens, and dry shade areas while maintaining a clean, compact form. The blossoms are highly attractive to many native bees and other pollinators. After blooming, these blossoms turn a rust color and remain on the plant, extending interest through fall and early winter. Its leaves will also turn beautiful shades of red, bronze, or golden in the fall and have a spicy odor when crushed. Adapted to the rocky soils and dry conditions of Utah’s foothills and mountains, Rock Spirea is an excellent choice for water-wise landscape beds and borders, rock gardens, dry partial shade areas, or as erosion control on steep slopes.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin 1 and 2 and Jerry Friedman
Rock Spirea
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish)
Mature Size: 3 - 4' tall and wide
Bloom Color: White/Cream
Bloom Season: May to June or July
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: Yes, somewhat
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Tolerant of many soil types, including sand, loam, or clay, as long as they are well-drained.
Plants in the Holodiscus genus are known host species for 23 species of pollinators in Northern Utah. Rock Spirea is also a valuable source of pollen and nectar for many pollinators, as well as habitat and seeds for birds.