Spiraea cantoniensis Lanceata

Common Name: Double White May Bush (Spiraea cantoniensis ‘Lanceata’)

Description:
Double White May Bush is a graceful, medium-sized, deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub admired for its cascading branches covered in clusters of fully double, snow-white pompom flowers in spring. These beautiful blooms make a striking display against the narrow, lance-shaped green leaves, which are slightly toothed and soft in texture. Flowering occurs in early to mid-spring and transforms the entire plant into a cloud of white. This variety thrives in Melbourne's climate, preferring full sun to part shade and performing best in moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating short dry periods and light frost once established. Prune immediately after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and encourage dense new growth for the following season’s bloom. It is ideal for informal hedging, feature planting, or as part of a layered garden border.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

• Shrub – Clumping / Mounding

• Suitable for Hedging / Screening

Mature Size:

• Height: 1–2 m

• Width: 1.5–2.5 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Pure white (fully double clusters)

Key Attributes:

• Deciduous to semi-evergreen

• Perennial

• Fast to moderate growth rate

• Suitable for Informal Hedging

• Suitable as a Feature Shrub

• Low-Maintenance

• Drought Tolerant once established

• Light Frost Tolerant

• Butterfly Attracting

• Excellent Seasonal Display

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or pets

Companion Plants:

• Camellias – layered garden appeal with winter to early spring flowering

• Rhododendrons – add a splash of colour after Spiraea’s spring show

• Salvia or Lavender – for mid-height flowering and textural contrast

• Grasses (such as Lomandra or Dianella) – add movement and structure

• Other Spirea varieties – for staggered flowering displays