Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
false spirea 'Sem'
Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A small, compact selection, to 1.5m, of this thicket-forming shrub. It has many upright stems and a distinctive leaf colouring; yellow-green flushed with bright reddish-pink and bronze in spring. Leaves become greener in summer, but redden in autumn; colouring is best in good light. Flowers are borne in stiff, erect, rather narrow panicles of small white flowers in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
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
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
Accepted

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. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

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

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free