False spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia)
sor-BAR-ee-ah sor-bih-FOE-lee-ah
Genus:
Sorbaria
If you like plants that stay in tidy, little assigned corners, this is not the plant for you. But if you have a large space to fill and love plants with attitude, this is your baby. False spireas form large masses of arching branches that are covered with green pinnate leaves. Billowy white sprays of flowers appear in mid- to late summer. Mature plants spread where you let them. There is a wide range of closely related species and selections, but there’s not much difference between them.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Can be invasive in some areas.
Care:
These plants are unbelievably durable and will take just about any soil thrown in their general direction. An annual or occasional decapitation to the ground is a good idea because it helps keep the plant under control.
Propagation:
By cuttings or seed.
Problems:
No serious problems.
Overview
Height
6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread
6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace
Fast Grower,
Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Light
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture
Medium Moisture
Maintenance
Moderate
Characteristics
Showy Flowers
Bloom Time
Late Summer,
Summer
Flower Color
White
Uses
Beds and Borders,
Slopes and Hillsides,
Low-Maintenance,
Naturalizing
Style
Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest
Summer Interest
Type
Shrubs