spirea

or spi·rae·a

[ spahy-ree-uh ]

noun

1. any of various plants or shrubs belonging to the genus Spiraea, of the rose family, having clusters of small, white or pink flowers, certain species of which are cultivated as ornamentals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirea¹

1660–70; < New Latin, Latin spīraea < Greek speiraía privet

Example Sentences

When we crept out from under the spirea bushes, we were in open country, so we needed to keep one eye on the sky.

From Literature

She lists the type of colorful foliage hikers can expect to see on each trip, from Geyer’s sedge to blue wildrye and rosy spirea.

From Seattle Times

That morning, she bought $1,600 worth of roses, tulips, ranunculus and spirea.

From New York Times

Double Play Doozie is a Japanese spirea that also fits the bill.

From Washington Post

In the yards of century-old houses resting high atop bluffs, heritage gardens were awash in bridal-wreath spirea, bearded irises, climbing roses and peonies.

From Washington Post