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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
May Bush is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair May Bush with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying May Bush
Plant Sale lists May Bush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.