Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'PBR
sorbaria 'Sem'
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
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Pink Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Yellow Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Red Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Get involved
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