false spiraea
Sorbaria sorbifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect, Vase.

Sorbaria sorbifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

In sparse forests at elevations of 250 - 1500 metres in northern China. A garden escape in N. America where it grows in wasteland and copses.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Budlings and leaves - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Erosion control, Massing, Screen, Specimen, Woodland garden. Prefers a rich moist soil, but succeeds in any soil of good quality in full sunshine. Tolerates dappled shade but prefers a sunny position. Requires protection from strong winds. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. A freely suckering shrub forming low thickets, it grows well in light woodland. Make sure you have the space for this plant since it can become invasive. The flowers are generous with their sweet perfume whatever the weather. They hold their fragrance for a considerable time. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Root cuttings in late winter.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 2-7

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves and the flowers contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide. Some foods, notably almonds, contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Spiraea sorbifolia.