Birch Leaf Spirea vs Annabelle Hydrangea - TreeTime.ca

Birch Leaf Spirea vs Annabelle Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle

Spiraea betulifolia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Annabelle Hydrangea
Birch Leaf Spirea

Annabelle Hydrangea is a cold hardy shrub that is well known for its large, compact clusters of white flowers. Unlike other flowering species, Hydrangeas do best in partial shade. However, they are capable of growing in full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.

Blooms occur on new wood, so regular pruning is encouraged in late winter. Try Annabelle Hydrangea as a border or on its own.

Birch Leaf Meadowsweet is a small, rounded shrub, reaching 3 to 4 feet high.

In the early summer, white flowers emerge with dark green foliage. Come fall, birch-like leaves turn a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and purple adding seasonal interest.

Native to Japan and Eastern Asia, this dwarf shrub attracts butterflies and is an excellent option for the front row of a shrub border.

Annabelle Hydrangea Quick Facts

Birch Leaf Spirea Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Flowers: white, showy clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: birch leaf meadowsweet, shiny leaf spirea, white spirea