Sorbaria sorbifolia Pink Hopi

The Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Pink Hopi' creates a sensation in the small world of false rowan-leaved spirea. This new variety is distinguished by its splendid spring foliage, which retains its pink, cream, and red-purple hues for almost 3 months in spring. Smaller in size than the wild species with beautifully layered growth, this bush also offers a summer flowering in airy white panicles. From its ancestor, 'Pink Hopi' has retained robustness and hardiness. Still, it is less prone to suckering and, therefore, more suitable for our gardens. This pretty novelty, with the appearance of a subtly coloured fern, will be particularly advantageous near natural ponds or water points.

The Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Pink Hopi' is a horticultural variety derived from Sorbaria sorbifolia, belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Siberia (the Urals) and East Asia (China, Korea, Mongolia, and Japan). In nature, it is mainly found on the edge of forests and woodlands, usually on rich and moist soils, never in arid situations. The cultivar 'Pink Hopi' suckers less, has a more moderate growth, and an exceptionally long-lasting spring colouration. It will not exceed 1.60 m (5ft) in height and will occupy about 1 m (3ft) in width.

The False Spiraea with Sorbier leaves 'Pink Hopi' has a compact habit, upright and bushy. The primary asset of this bush is its foliage, for two reasons: its pinnate nature, finely cut, with toothed leaflets measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long, but also and above all, the symphony of colours it adorns itself with. The frost-resistant young shoots, which can withstand temperatures below -3°C (26.6°F), emerge in March with a dark red-purple hue. They gradually take on shades of pinkish beige, bronze and creamy white on a chartreuse green background until May. It is possible to prune some branches during the season to encourage the appearance of new coloured shoots until summer. The foliage turns purple again in autumn before falling. The flowering takes place in July-August as opulent pyramidal panicles of small creamy white flowers with a light and fluffy appearance. The bright brown to red branches remain decorative in winter.

False rowan-leaved spirea 'Pink Hopi' is a refined and versatile bush at ease in any good moist garden soil. It will find its place among large bushes and robust perennials, even in wet soil. Pair it with a purple Berberis for a splendid display. It is welcome in small gardens, where it breaks the monotony of green foliage, which is more classic. Also suitable for cultivation in large pots, it will offer the spectacle of its subtle and changing colours from spring to autumn, positioned on a patio or balcony. This bush will show its full potential at the edge of a water feature or pond. It will accompany other bushes such as Viburnum opulus, Itea virginiana, Fothergilla major, Salix purpurea nana, or moisture-loving perennials: Astilbe sinensis, Polygonum affine, Typha laxmanii, Eupatorium cannabinum, or the famous Gunnera manicata.