Mountain Spray Plant Care

Mountain Spray (Holodiscus dumosus) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Holodiscus genus. Mountain Spray is also known as Crevice Metalbush.

Mountain Spray displays a tall, arching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Mountain Spray produces small white to cream-colored clustered flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mountain Spray every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mountain Spray thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Holodiscus dumosus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Mountain Spray prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Spray to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mountain Spray every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mountain Spray is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mountain Spray can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Mountain Spray while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Mountain Spray is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mountain Spray can be propagated through softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ocean spray plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Mountain Spray is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mountain Spray grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Spray as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.