Can I cut it back all the way to the ground?

Yes, you can do a hard prune in late winter to reset the plant. It will grow back quickly in the spring.

Will the stems get stronger if I stake them?

Staking is only a temporary fix. The best way to strengthen the stems is to provide more light and proper pruning.

Why is my Spiraea alba growing so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check if the stems are weak or bending over.
Look at the base of the plant to see if it is crowded by other shrubs.

Likely causes

Low light conditions
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant looks sparse rather than full and bushy.
What to do: Transplant the shrub to a location with more direct sun. If moving is not possible, prune the long stems back by one third to encourage fuller, bushier growth.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant has become overgrown and woody with very little foliage near the base. This happens when the plant is left to grow wild for several years.
What to do: Perform a rejuvenation prune in late winter by cutting the oldest stems down to the ground. This forces the plant to send up fresh, vigorous growth from the base.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white meadowsweet

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the stems are so long they are snapping under their own weight, the plant needs immediate attention. It is normal for the plant to lose some lower leaves as it matures and becomes woody.

Stopping it coming back

Prune the plant annually in late winter, before new growth starts, and ensure it stays in a sunny spot.

White meadowsweet: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white meadowsweet and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I cut it back all the way to the ground?: Yes, you can do a hard prune in late winter to reset the plant. It will grow back quickly in the spring.
Will the stems get stronger if I stake them?: Staking is only a temporary fix. The best way to strengthen the stems is to provide more light and proper pruning.

Why is my Spiraea alba growing so leggy?