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Sorbaria aitchisonii
  • RHS AGM

narrow-leaved Himalayan sorbaria

A large, suckering, deciduous shrub with 40cm long leaves made up of 10 or more pairs of slender, opposite leaflets. In summer it produces large, conical heads of white flowers on red shoots

Synonyms
Spiraea aitchisonii
Sorbaria aitchisonii
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–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
Afghanistan Kashmir

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Remove excess suckers to restrict spread. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-riope cuttings or removal of rooted suckers

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 2 or 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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