Sorbaria sorbifolia

The Sorbaria sorbifolia, also known as the Sorbaria or False spiraea with sorbier-like leaves, is a very beautiful landscape bush that has many advantages; extremely hardy, with a beautiful vigor and low maintenance, it offers a mass of pleasant foliage, reminiscent of fern fronds, which are animated by a prolonged white and airy flowering, from spring to summer. Very ornamental with its exotic astilbe-like appearance, this bush with a wide habit is perfect for the back of a flower bed, in a hedge, or to conceal an unsightly obstruction. However, near water points or in damp soil, it can colonize a fairly large space.

The Sorbaria sorbifolia belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous shrub native to Siberia (the Urals) and eastern Asia (China, Korea, Mongolia, Japan). In nature, it is mainly found on the edge of forests and woodlands, usually on rich and moist soils, never in dry situations. The plant has a suckering rhizomatous stump that can produce numerous lateral suckers, especially in moist soil.

The False spiraea with sorbier-like leaves has rapid growth and a very ornamental habit, both wide, bushy, and arching. As an adult, the bush can reach a height of 2m (6 ft 7 in) with a spread of 2.50m (8 ft 2 in). The plant develops vertical stems, which are brown-purple in colour when young. The foliage consists of large leaves arranged in opposite pairs on the branches, divided into 11 to 15 lanceolate leaflets with toothed margins. Slightly tinged with coppery pink, the young leaves quickly turn fresh green, then bright green in summer. They turn yellow in autumn before falling off. Flowering begins in June and continues until August. It takes the form of dense and long pyramidal panicles, composed of numerous small creamy white flowers that have a light and fluffy appearance. The vivid brown-coloured branches remain decorative in winter when the plant is leafless.

The Sorbaria with sorbier-like leaves thrives in any good garden soil that remains fresh, or even moist. It will find its place in a large shrub bed, in a free hedge, or near a large natural pond. It can also be planted as a standalone specimen, allowing it to be highlighted while easily controlling its tendency to spread. It pairs perfectly with a purple Berberis, a Viburnum opulus, the Itea virginiana, the Fothergilla major, the Salix purpurea nana, or moisture-loving perennials such as Astilbes, Polygonum, Typha laxmanii, Eupatorium cannabinum, or the famous Gunnera manicata in very moist soil.