False Spirea Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem', commonly known as Ural false spirea 'Sem', features a compelling display of foliage and blooms that transform throughout the seasons. The plant initially captivates with its new leaves that emerge in shades of bronze, yellow, and vibrant red in the spring. As the leaves mature, they form lush, feather-like compound leaves that take on a light green hue, creating a dense and textured appearance. During the summer, the Ural false spirea 'Sem' produces erect, frothy plumes of tiny white flowers that are arranged in cone-shaped panicles, contributing to a soft, frosted look that stands out against the greenery beneath. This profusion of blooms adds a striking visual appeal and can attract pollinators to the garden. As the season progresses into autumn, the leaves transform once again, displaying beautiful hues of yellow and orange before they drop, offering a continual change of color throughout the year. The plant's branching habit is natural and arching, giving it a relaxed, yet ornamental presence in the landscape. Overall, the Ural false spirea 'Sem' is admired for its changing foliage colors, its feathery leaf texture, its Summer floral display, and its general resilience in various garden conditions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, Ural False Spirea, Ash Leaf False Spirea, Sem False Spirea
Common names
Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem', Sorbus sorbifolia (L.) A.Braun.
ToxicityTo humans
Ural False Spirea is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information about its toxicity, but it is generally not considered dangerous if accidentally ingested in small quantities. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is always best to avoid ingesting plant parts unless they are known to be edible. If someone displays unusual symptoms after handling or ingesting this plant, seek medical advice.
To pets
Ural False Spirea is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets either. Similar to its toxicity to humans, it doesn't typically pose a significant risk if pets ingest small amounts. However, it's always prudent to monitor pets and prevent them from eating plants as their reactions can be unpredictable, and what is non-toxic to humans can sometimes be toxic to animals. In case of any adverse reactions, it's vital to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet [1.22 meters]
Spread
4 feet [1.22 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attractive Foliage: Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem' offers beautiful fern-like foliage that changes color with the seasons, adding visual interest to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Hardy Nature: It is able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Fast Growth: The plant grows quickly, which can be beneficial for landscaping projects that require speedy growth.
- Soil Adaptability: It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- False Spiraea can be used in natural dye extraction; the leaves and stems may produce varied hues on fabric and yarn.
- The dense branching pattern of False Spiraea makes it suitable for creating natural windbreaks or privacy screens in a landscaping design.
- Its striking foliage color changes and feather-like blooms can be incorporated into thematic gardens, providing a visual representation of the changing seasons.
- In large gardens or parks, False Spiraea can be planted for soil stabilization on slopes or areas prone to erosion due to its sturdy root system.
- False Spiraea can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to demonstrate plant pruning techniques due to its vigorous growth habit and resilience.
- It can be used artistically in dried flower arrangements or as a component in potpourri for its textured leaves and seed heads.
- Its vibrant foliage can serve as a natural backdrop for photographers and filmmakers needing a lush, full setting for outdoor scenes.
- The plant's dense structure provides habitat and nesting opportunities for small birds and insects within a wildlife-friendly garden.
- In larger public spaces, such as roundabouts or central reservations, False Spiraea can be used as a low-maintenance ornamental that requires minimal care once established.
- The deciduous nature of False Spiraea allows for use in gardens designed to educate on the life cycle of plants, as it visibly demonstrates growth, maturity, dormancy, and rebirth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe False Spirea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe False Spirea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem', commonly known as False Spirea, can thrive in various soil types and conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt to diverse environments and changes in life.
- Resilience: The False Spirea's hardy nature and resistance to many pests and diseases represent resilience and the strength to overcome challenges and adversities.
- Growth: With its fast-growing habit and tendency to spread, the False Spirea embodies growth, expansion, and the idea that life continually moves forward.
- Renewal: The plant's lush foliage that renews every spring symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and the constant cycle of renewal inherent in nature and human experiences.
WaterFalse Spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem') should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which usually amounts to once a week during the growing season. In hot, dry periods, this may increase to twice a week. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by watering slowly at the base of the plant, using approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session. During the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's water requirements decrease. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. An ideal spot would be a location where it has protection from the harsh afternoon sun, which can sometimes be too intense, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from about -30°F to 90°F. However, its ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 75°F. The plant is hardy and can tolerate cold winters, making it suitable for various climates as long as the extreme minimum is not reached.
PruningPrune False Spirea to maintain its shape, to remove any dead or damaged branches, and to encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, as this plant tolerates heavy pruning well.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea 'Sem' prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat or perlite can create an optimal growing medium.
RepottingFalse Spirea 'Sem' doesn't typically require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea 'Sem' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions, making it a versatile plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-9 USDA
Life cycleSorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem', commonly known as Ural False Spirea or False Spiraea, starts its life as a seed which germinates in spring, preferring moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Once established, the seedling grows into a small shrub, developing a woody root system and stems. In its juvenile phase, the plant forms pinnate leaves and by early summer, it produces dense panicles of tiny white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following flowering, if pollinated, the plant may produce small, dry fruit containing seeds for reproduction. Throughout the growing season, Ural False Spirea experiences vegetative growth, expanding its size and sometimes spreading via suckers if conditions are favorable. As a deciduous shrub, it sheds its leaves in autumn and enters a period of dormancy through the winter months before the cycle begins anew with spring warmth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The False Spirea 'Sem' can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss to provide good drainage and aeration. It is important to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
