Sorbaria sorbifolia

RHS Plant Profile

false spirea

Synonyms

Spiraea sorbifolia

Shrubs

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A small to medium-sized, deciduous shrub to 3m tall with upright stems. Leaves are divided into 13-25, sharply-toothed, dark green leaflets and small, creamy-white flowers are borne on narrow, stiffly erect panicles in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Suckering, Bushy
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: N Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Remove suckers to prevent plants spreading widely and forming thickets. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by seed. Rooted suckers can be transplanted in winter or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 6. Remove unwanted suckers in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free