Sorbaria sorbifolia aka False Spiraea

Taxonomy

Sorbaria sorbifolia, also known as false spiraea or false spirea, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It can reach a height of 1-1.5 meters and bears compound, toothed leaves that resemble ferns or sumac. The leaves may turn reddish in autumn before dropping. Showy white flowers appear in clusters at the end of branches between July and August. Originally found in temperate regions of Asia, including Siberia, the Far East of Russia, northern China, Japan, and Korea, it has become a popular garden ornamental in Europe and North America. The cultivar 'Sem' has multicolored leaves in shades of yellow, bronze, and red, with more erect panicles of flowers than the species. It is best grown in average, medium moisture, organically rich, well-drained soil and flowers best when sited in full sun. The Ural Spirea cultivar does not exhibit the invasive characteristic of the parent. Sorbaria sorbifolia has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

False Spiraea, Sorbaria, Ash Leaved Spiraea

How to care for False Spiraea

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for False Spiraea, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

False Spiraea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

False Spiraea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the False Spiraea prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

False Spiraea’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.


More info:
Wikipedia