An arching deciduous shrub whose bare-then-leafy stems become wands of pure white pompom flower clusters in spring. A nostalgic cottage 'May bush' and lovely cut flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About May Bush
Botanically, Spiraea cantoniensis is a moderate-growing shrub in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow May Bush
May Bush suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
May Bush does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
May Bush does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune May Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using May Bush in the garden
May Bush earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, cut flowers for the vase, a fast screen or informal hedge and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Combine May Bush with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying May Bush
Plant Sale lists May Bush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
