Spiraea x vanhouttei Pink Ice - variegated Van Houttes spiraea

The Pink Ice Spirea is a hybrid of the Van Houtte's Spiraea, distinguished by its delicately variegated foliage. Its young shoots are salmon pink in colour, unfolding into leaves speckled with creamy white and becoming greener in summer. This beautiful foliage contrasts with mahogany branches, adorning a bushy and flexible shrub that exudes elegance. Lovely white flowering adds to its charm in late spring. A versatile and easy-to-grow plant, full of charm in a shrub border or small hedge, or in a container on the terrace. A must-see!

Spiraea x vanhouttei Pink Ice belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivar selected by Peter Catt. It comes from the famous Spiraea vanhouttei, a hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of Spiraea cantionensis of Chinese origin and S. trilobata native to Mongolia. The growth of this shrub is rather slow, reaching approximately 1.75 m (6ft) in height and 1.50 m (5ft) in width when fully grown. It can reach 2 m (7ft) under optimal conditions.

This spiraea has a flexible habit, initially erect then slightly trailing. Its young branches are dark red mahogany in colour. The young leaves are a beautiful light salmon pink. They unfold, becoming variegated with creamy white on a dark green background. In summer their colour becomes greener. This foliage is composed of small, alternate, simple, diamond-shaped leaves. Flowering takes place in May-June, more or less early depending on the region, on 1-year-old branches. It covers the shrub with numerous small white clusters, in flattened corymbs, consisting of small single flowers, which attract many insects and butterflies. This spiraea adorns itself in autumn with pretty yellow, orange and even pinkish tones before the leaves fall.

Plant the Pink Ice Van Houtte Spirea in any well-drained, even alkaline soil, preferably in partial shade to preserve the colours of its foliage. It will adapt to all climates and soils but dislikes scorching sun. Note that it tolerates summer drought once well established. The Pink Ice Van Houtte Spirea can be planted as a solitary specimen, in an informal hedge or in a border, appreciated for the delicacy of its foliage, its flowering, and the elegance of its habit. It will easily combine with other flowering shrubs. Accompany it with e.g. Deutzia scabra 'Plena' with double pink to white flowers, a Philadelphus coronarius 'Variegatus', or Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride'. Also consider landscape and shrub roses. Its relatively modest size allows for cultivation in a container on a terrace.

Variegated foliage brings an undeniable touch of elegance to the garden. It can brighten up a dull or shaded area and offers an interesting contrast with dark colours or pink blooms. However, it should be used sparingly to maintain an overall elegant look. Most plants with variegated foliage do not thrive in scorching midday sun, which can cause burns. In hotter regions it is always preferable to ensure they are in partial shade during the hottest hours.