Sorbaria tomentosa var. angustifolia

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narrow-leaved Himalayan sorbaria

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Synonyms

Spiraea aitchisonii
Sorbaria aitchisonii

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Shrubs
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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

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
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–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
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 pruning group 6; sucker removal in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free