Sorbaria kirilowii
Tree false spiraea
Also known as Sorbaria arborea
- Height × spread
- 4m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a substantial shrub that can reach 4m (13ft) or more height. It is handsome in its effect, with layered foliage of long, dark green leaflets held on long, horizontally held stems. It produces plumes of white flowers in July that are around 30cm (12in) length and give the shrub a very light appearance. There are ruddy autumn tints when the flower panicles have turned brownish. It will gently spread itself if left unencumbered. The Sorbaria will, of course, flower once the rhododendrons have finished. It also makes a handsome backdrop to moisture loving perennials that have an earlier season of beauty.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-ruddy
- Stem colour
- Brown, Red
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Sensory garden (tactile)
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Summer
Summer - early-mid · Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has flowered, cut all the flowered shoots back to healthy buds that are lower on the stems. When the plant is established, take out a quarter of the oldest branches to the ground at this time.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.