Spiraea: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Spiraea thunbergii
Spiraea (Spiraea thunbergii, family Rosaceae) usually lasts 5–8 days in a vase. In season: Spring. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: branch.
- Botanical name
- Spiraea thunbergii
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Accepted name
- Spiraea thunbergii Siebold ex Blume
- Role in a design
- Branch
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- In season
- Spring
- Fragrance
- None
- Colours
- white
- Type
- Branch / foliage
- Pets
- Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base — check the ASPCA list for the exact species
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Spiraea
- Botanical name
- Spiraea thunbergii
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, predominantly East Asia and Europe
- Growth habit
- Woody perennial shrub or decorative branch with structural lignified stems.
- Stem length
- 80–120 cm
- Natural colours
- White
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring
- Commercial supply
- Peak in spring
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Supple arching lines, much used in ikebana and Japanese-style bridal work. The tiny petals shower as it ages, so use it for events rather than long-lasting vases.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Branch in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Supple arching lines, much used in ikebana and Japanese-style bridal work. The tiny petals shower as it ages, so use it for events rather than long-lasting vases.
For florists
Try Spiraea in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Supple arching lines, much used in ikebana and Japanese-style bridal work. The tiny petals shower as it ages, so use it for events rather than long-lasting vases.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 5–8 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as spiraea and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Peony (herbaceous) | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Hyacinth | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Chamomile | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
| Freesia | Filler flower | 5–8 days |
| Queen Anne's lace (Ammi) | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
Substitutes
When spiraea is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viburnum (snowball) | 5–7 days | Spring | None | — |
| Pear blossom | 4–7 days | Spring | Light | — |
| Azalea | 5–7 days | Spring | None | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| Cherry blossom | 5–7 days | Spring | Light | — |
FAQ
How long does spiraea last in a vase?
Usually 5–8 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is spiraea in season?
In season in spring; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep spiraea fresh?
Supple arching lines, much used in ikebana and Japanese-style bridal work. The tiny petals shower as it ages, so use it for events rather than long-lasting vases.
What can I use instead of spiraea?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Viburnum (snowball), Pear blossom, Azalea, Cherry blossom.
Related guides
In season at the same time
TulipChamomileTree peonyPeony (herbaceous)Silver wattle (mimosa)Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)BupleurumCanterbury bells