Sorbaria, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
false spiraea
Overview
Sorbaria is a genus of deciduous, suckering shrubs in the family Rosaceae, native to temperate and eastern Asia. Plants form upright to arching, multi-stemmed clumps 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m) tall and as wide or wider, spreading by underground suckers to make broad thickets. The leaves are pinnately compound, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with 9-25 sharply toothed leaflets that open bronze-pink and mature to green. In summer the stems carry large terminal panicles of many small creamy-white flowers, each spray 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long. The genus grows in moist, fertile soil in sun to partial shade and tolerates cold well. Its suckering habit lets it spread quickly, which can crowd a small bed and need regular control. Species range from the compact S. sorbifolia to the larger S. tomentosa. Foliage turns yellow in autumn before dropping. Hardiness spans roughly USDA zones 2 to 8.
Native Range
Sorbaria is native to temperate and eastern Asia, from the Ural region and Siberia through China, Korea, Japan, and the Himalaya. Species grow along streams, in moist thickets, and at woodland margins.Suggested Uses
Used in shrub borders, for bank stabilization, and in naturalized or screening plantings where its spread is wanted. Spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart, plants knit into a dense thicket. The compact S. sorbifolia suits smaller gardens and large containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread4' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, generally June to August. Many small creamy-white flowers crowd into large terminal panicles up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, opening from the base of the spray upward. The faded flower heads persist as brown seed clusters into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green, opening bronze-pinkGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile soil and tolerate a wide pH range from about 5.5 to 7.5. Steady moisture supports vigorous growth, and the genus grows most strongly where soils do not dry out for long. It tolerates clay and seasonal wetness better than many shrubs. The suckering roots spread widely, so a defined bed edge or root barrier limits the colony. Cold hardiness is high, reaching well into the coldest temperate zones. Hardiness covers USDA zones 2 to 8.Pruning
Flowers form on new wood, so stems are cut back hard in late winter or early spring to shape the clump and encourage strong flowering shoots. Suckers are removed through the season to contain the spread. Old or weak stems are taken to the base to renew the thicket.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
late winterearly spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons
