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Sorbaria arborea

Kirilow false spiraea

S. kirilowii is a vigorous, thicket-forming shrub with leaves to 30cm in length, composed of lance-shaped, toothed leaflets and, in mid and late summer, bearing terminal panicles to 40cm in length of small white flowers

Synonyms
Spiraea arborea
Spiraea assurgens
see moreSorbaria arborea
Sorbaria assurgens
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Genus

Sorbaria are large, deciduous suckering shrubs with attractive pinnate leaves and small, white, spiraea-like flowers borne in large terminal panicles in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China, Tibet

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Useful for waterside plantings but neglected plants can rapidly form thickets when it would have the potential to become a nuisance

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer or propagate by seed sown in containers in a coldframe in autumn. Rooted suckers can be transplanted in winter or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 2 or pruning group 6; sucker removal in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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