The Bride’s Crown

The bride’s crown or spiraea (Spiraea cantoniensis LOUR.) is a deciduous bush that stands about 2m tall with thin, arrow-shaped leaves, and is a common garden plant. Its generic name “Spiraea” comes from the Greek word “speiraira” (a plant that is used for crowns or garlands) and “speira” (spiral-shaped or twisted). Its geographical name “cantoniensis” refers to its place of origin (Canton, a province of south-east China). This species is very typical in Granada gardens, where it grows easily and with vigour. It withstands the cold weather and grows well in sunny places in well-watered beds with good drainage. In the Alhambra and Generalife, it blooms during April in large bunches of white flowers. It blossoms in great abundance, covering the bush with so many flowers that the branches sag under their weight.