Holodiscus discolor

Identification

Description

Holodiscus discolor commonly known as Ocean Spray, Cream Bush, California Spiraea, Meadow Sweet. Holodiscus discolor is a deciduous shrub that normally grows to 4-5 feet but can grow to 7feet. The 5 inch long flower clusters are cream colored and fragrant from May-July. This plant likes partial shade. The flowers are edible. Ocean Spray makes sprays of tawny white on north slopes of the California coast ranges on into Idaho and Montana. It has a noticeable scent that is very sweet and agreeable from 20-30 feet. Up close it smells like old newspapers. Use away from the house in the background, along a shaded walk or as part of a north slope groundcover. We took some losses in the December 1990 frost. I think this plant is ok to about -20 F in an open non-snow covered area. Chicago Botanic Garden reports it growing ok there but having trouble with a black growth on the leaves because of high summer humidities. It seems to be deer proof. Very beautiful and fragrant as a replacement for Baby's Breath in bouquets. It has a more antique white old fashioned look.

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