Spiraea densiflora var. splendens

The Spiraea densiflora, a synonym of S. splendens, is an adorable botanical species from the North American mountains. Over time, this bush forms a dense and rounded shape, offering a long, charming summer flowering in pink corymbs that catches the eye. Its small light green foliage turns yellow in autumn. It is perfect in a mountain garden, and this little bush can accompany all kinds of plants in a country or natural setting.

The Dense-flowered Spirea, locally known as subalpine spirea, is a botanical species native to the west coast of North America, in an area ranging from California to British Columbia. It is found at altitudes between 600 and 3,300 m (1968 and 11ft) in mountainous areas, especially in damp rocky areas. All spireas belong to the Rose family. It takes a little time to establish itself, and its growth is relatively slow initially. Its mature size does not exceed 90 cm (35in) to 1 m (3ft) in all directions. With a rounded and branched habit, the bush produces brown, sparsely hairy branches. Its foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn. It consists of simple, ovate leaves measuring 1 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) long, with partially toothed margins, arranged alternately on the stems. Their thin lamina is light green and then turns yellow in autumn. The flowers produced abundantly appear from June to September, grouped in small terminal corymbs (4-5 cm (2in)) at the ends of the year's shoots. These small, fluffy-looking clusters, from which numerous stamens emerge, display a beautiful range of pink shades. The flowering of this spirea attracts many butterflies, bees, and bumblebees.

With its lovely ball-shaped habit, this particularly floriferous spirea is ideal for forming the framework of a perennial bed or a large border in front of a taller hedge. It will also be beautiful in a large, slightly damp rock garden in partial shade. Combine it with white, pink, mauve ground cover roses, caryopteris, or blue or purple shrub salvias. Place it at the forefront of a country hedge, accompanied by other small spireas (Spiraea betulifolia), dwarf red osier (Salix purpurea nana), dwarf Manchurian lilac (Lilas nain de Mandchourie Miss Kim), or dwarf Weigela (Nana purpurea).