The Long-Living Alternative To Invasive Japanese Spirea

Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica) is a shrub commonly sold at big box stores and nursery centers – but just because it's easy to buy doesn't mean it's the best choice for your yard. It is considered  If you're concerned about its unhindered into the surrounding area, you'll want to plant an alternative instead. One such candidate, , is native to the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, and , compared to .

This  and alternative is also known as and can grow to be up to . Its unusual looking flowers are , appearing from . The are multiple – you'll attract insects that have long forged relationships with these plants, which in turn will help nourish .

If you're ready to make the switch from invasive to native, be sure your growing conditions for this alternative check all the boxes. Gardeners in can consider this plant for their yards if are available. Count eastern among the plants that will thrive in your garden's acidic soil, as well, and grow it preferably .

Eastern leatherwood can be used alongside other rain garden plants, as this shrub has . Bringing a lovely splash of in autumn, it can also be grown in a , as a , or next to a . If there's a downside to leatherwood, it's that , so grow this alternative in a location where you won't frequently brush against it. If your growing conditions aren't quite right to add eastern leatherwood to your garden, there are still other beautiful native plants to grow instead of invasive spirea, such as pink azalea ().