Ural False Spirea
sorbaria sorbifolia
Also known as: ["False Spirea","Ural Sorbaria"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with pinnately compound leaves and showy, white, feathery flowers in summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Sorbaria |
| Botanical Name: | Sorbaria sorbifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–40–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until drainage occurs; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
fertile, moist, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay without amendments; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 2–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C); prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F / 15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost in early spring/late fall; avoid placing near heat sources indoors; monitor for heat stress in summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize before new growth emerges; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings in summer yield best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F / 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded stems; heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/diseased growth; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood; thin crowded stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk; avoid wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; topdress with organic mulch.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn brown; roots can suffer damage if soil freezes without insulation.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect roots with burlap wrapping in extreme cold; avoid overwatering in winter.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth slows in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid feeds; reduce in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Sorbaria sorbifolia. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Sorbaria sorbifolia can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSorbaria sorbifolia contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Sorbaria sorbifolia grow?
A: It can grow up to 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) tall.
Q: Does Sorbaria sorbifolia require full sun?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is Sorbaria sorbifolia invasive?
A: It can be invasive in some regions due to its vigorous growth and spreading rhizomes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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