Hitchcock’s Spirea: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Discovering
If you’re looking for a native shrub that’s a bit off the beaten path, Hitchcock’s spirea (Spiraea ×hitchcockii) might just be the hidden gem your garden needs. This lesser-known member of the spirea family brings native plant benefits to Pacific Northwest landscapes, though you’ll need to do a little detective work to track it down!
What Makes Hitchcock’s Spirea Special?
Hitchcock’s spirea is a native perennial shrub that calls the Pacific Northwest home. As a hybrid species (indicated by the × in its scientific name), it represents a natural cross between two parent spirea species, creating something uniquely adapted to its specific region.
This multi-stemmed woody shrub typically stays manageable in size, usually growing to less than 13-16 feet tall, though it often remains much smaller in garden settings. Like other spireas, it develops several stems from near the ground, creating a full, bushy appearance that works well in naturalized landscapes.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
Hitchcock’s spirea has a pretty exclusive address—you’ll only find it native to Oregon and Washington. This limited range makes it a true regional specialty, perfect for gardeners who want to showcase plants that are authentically local to the Pacific Northwest.
A Flexible Friend for Different Garden Spots
One of the nice things about this spirea is its adaptability when it comes to moisture. It has a facultative wetland status, which is a fancy way of saying it’s happy in both wet and dry conditions. Whether you have a spot that stays moist or an area that dries out, this shrub can likely handle it.
This flexibility makes it useful for:
- Transition zones between wet and dry areas
- Rain gardens where water levels fluctuate
- Natural or woodland-style landscapes
- Native plant gardens focused on Pacific Northwest species
The Challenge (And the Adventure!)
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging. Hitchcock’s spirea is something of a mystery plant in the gardening world. Specific information about its growing requirements, exact appearance, and care needs isn’t widely documented or available through typical gardening channels.
This means if you want to grow this native beauty, you’ll need to:
- Connect with native plant societies in Oregon or Washington
- Contact specialty native plant nurseries in the Pacific Northwest
- Reach out to botanical gardens or university extension programs in the region
- Network with other native plant enthusiasts who might have experience with this species
Is Hitchcock’s Spirea Right for Your Garden?
Consider this spirea if you:
- Live in Oregon or Washington and want truly local native plants
- Enjoy growing uncommon or specialty plants
- Have variable moisture conditions in your garden
- Are creating a native plant sanctuary or restoration project
- Like the idea of growing something few other gardeners have
This might not be the plant for you if:
- You prefer plants with well-documented care requirements
- You want something readily available at local nurseries
- You’re new to gardening and want reliable, easy-to-find information
- You live outside the Pacific Northwest region
The Bottom Line
Hitchcock’s spirea represents the exciting frontier of native plant gardening—species that are authentically local but not yet mainstream in the horticultural world. While growing it requires more research and possibly some networking with fellow plant enthusiasts, the reward is having a truly special Pacific Northwest native in your garden.
If you’re up for the adventure of tracking down this uncommon native, you’ll be supporting local ecosystems while adding a unique conversation piece to your landscape. Just remember, the journey to find and grow this plant might be as rewarding as the destination!
