Ural False Spirea Sorbaria kirilowii
ABOUT
Sorbaria kirilowii, commonly known as Ural false spirea, is a deciduous shrub that boasts a bushy and rounded growth habit. The plant typically features a multitude of slender branches that create an overall arching form, giving it a lush, full appearance. During the growing season, the leaves of the Ural false spirea emerge with a pinnate structure, comprising several small, oval-shaped leaflets arranged on either side of a central stalk. The leaflets have serrated edges and exhibit a vibrant green color, which can turn to attractive hues of yellow and orange in the autumn. One of the most striking characteristics of the Ural false spirea is its flowers. The plant produces spectacular plumes made up of tiny, star-shaped flowers. These blooms are usually white or cream-colored and are densely packed along upright, narrow panicles that can be quite long. When in full bloom, the Ural false spirea becomes a dominant feature in the garden due to its brilliant floral display that clusters at the ends of the branches. The bark of the Ural false spirea is another notable feature with its smooth texture and brown to grayish tones that can sometimes exfoliate in thin strips, providing visual interest even in the dormant season. Overall, the Ural false spirea distinguishes itself with its attractive foliage, stunning floral display, and graceful structure that adds beauty and charm to any landscape where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Kirilow's False Spirea, Kirilow Sorbaria
Common names
Sorbaria kirilowii.
ToxicityTo humans
Sorbaria kirilowii, commonly known as Ural false spirea, is not widely recognized for having significant toxicity to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction upon contact with skin or if ingested, particularly in sensitive individuals. If ingested, symptoms might include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a person experiences severe symptoms after ingesting any part of the Ural false spirea, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Ural false spirea is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. However, ingestion of plant parts could lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities. As with any non-food plant, it is generally advised to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants. If a pet shows adverse symptoms after consuming any part of the Ural false spirea, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Sorbaria kirilowii, commonly known as false spiraea, is valued for its attractive foliage and showy, plume-like flower clusters, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
- Habitat Support: Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Soil Erosion Control: The shrub's extensive root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for preventing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Low Maintenance: False spiraea is known for its hardiness and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care, making it a low-maintenance option for landscapes.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth, it can be used to create natural privacy screens or hedges in gardens and yards.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant provides visual interest throughout the seasons, with changing leaf colors in the fall and persistent seed heads in the winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sorbaria kirilowii can be used as a natural fence or border due to its dense and fast-growing foliage, providing privacy and wind protection for garden spaces.
- The plant's extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion in landscaping.
- Floristry enthusiasts sometimes use the attractive branches and foamy clusters of flowers of Sorbaria kirilowii in flower arrangements.
- Some gardeners utilize Sorbaria kirilowii as a companion plant, as it can provide shade and protection to more delicate understory plants due to its height and density.
- The plant is occasionally used in bonsai due to its interesting structure and ease of pruning into various shapes.
- Sorbaria kirilowii’s dense brush can serve as a habitat for beneficial garden insects and small bird species, enhancing local biodiversity.
- The plant's ability to spread quickly makes it a candidate for covering problematic bare areas where few other plants can thrive.
- Creative gardeners may train Sorbaria kirilowii into living art or structures, taking advantage of its growth patterns and woody stems.
- Its leaves can be used as a natural mulch, breaking down to enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
- In regions where it is non-invasive, Sorbaria kirilowii can be planted to reclaim and revegetate land that has been disturbed by construction or other activities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ural false spirea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ural false spirea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Sorbaria kirilowii, also known as Ural Falsespirea, often grows in a variety of soil conditions, symbolizing the ability to thrive in diverse environments.
- Resilience: This plant is known for its hardy nature and ability to withstand harsh climates, representing the trait of persistence and endurance through challenging times.
- Growth: Ural Falsespirea has a fast growth rate, symbolizing rapid development and expansion, which can be likened to personal or professional growth.
- Renewal: As a deciduous shrub, it sheds its leaves annually, embodying the concept of renewal and the idea that letting go of the old makes way for new beginnings.
WaterThe most common name for Sorbaria kirilowii is Ural False Spirea. When watering Ural False Spirea, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water approximately once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the size and the weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil doesn't dry out, but always check the soil moisture level to avoid overwatering. Water less frequently in autumn and winter when the plant's water needs decrease. Always use a gentle stream of water to avoid soil erosion or disturbing the base of the plant.
LightUral False Spirea thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. An ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but is also shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can be especially important in regions with very hot summers. Dappled sunlight under the canopy of larger trees can also be suitable, provided the plant gets enough light.
TemperatureUral False Spirea can handle a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 8. It can survive in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, Ural False Spirea likes to be in an environment where the average temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Ural False Spirea is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune up to one-third of the oldest stems down to the ground annually and trim the remaining stems to shape the plant. Moderate pruning can be performed after flowering if necessary to maintain desired size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilUral False Spirea thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. A mixture of loam, sand, and organic compost is ideal, providing nutrients and proper aeration. It's important to avoid overly wet or waterlogged conditions.
RepottingUral False Spirea does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. Its robust root system may spread, so repotting can help manage its growth and refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingUral False Spirea is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions as it is adaptable to outdoor environments, but it generally prefers average to high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ural False Spirea is not commonly grown indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Ural False Spirea in sun/partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleSorbaria kirilowii, commonly known as Ural false spirea, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in conducive conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and grows into a juvenile plant with characteristic pinnate leaves of the species. As the plant matures, it develops into a flowering shrub that produces small white flowers arranged in dense, terminal panicles during the summer. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers give way to dry fruit capsules containing seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, Ural false spirea spreads both by seeding and by producing suckers from its root system, forming dense thickets. In the right conditions, it may live for several years, going through this cycle repeatedly and becoming well-established in temperate garden landscapes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: False spirea, or Sorbaria kirilowii, is commonly propagated through division, which is typically done in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. To successfully propagate false spirea by division, you would dig up the parent plant gently, taking care not to damage the roots. Once out of the ground, you can shake off the excess soil and identify the natural divisions in the root system. Using a sharp, clean spade or knife, separate the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has several growth buds. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in well-prepared soil, maintaining the same depth at which the parent plant was growing. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots.
