Overview & Description

The Sem False Spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’ PP16,336) is a breakthrough dwarf cultivar that improves upon other Sorbaria varieties with its remarkable tricolor foliage and compact habit. Its fern-like leaves emerge in spring with stunning pinkish-red to bronze-orange hues along deep pink stems, gradually maturing to chartreuse or lime green in summer. In autumn, the foliage transforms to rich bronze and golden-yellow tones. In July and August, the neat, rounded shrub is covered with upright, feathery plumes of creamy white blossoms that are lightly fragrant and highly attractive to pollinators. This multi-stemmed shrub has a suckering habit that can form colonies if not managed.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a dense, upright-spreading to rounded, compact growth habit. It typically reaches a mature size of about 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 3.5 to 6 feet. It is fast-growing and can spread by suckers to form small colonies.

Additional Notes

It blooms in mid-summer. Exceptionally cold-hardy to Zone 2 and adaptable, it thrives in full sun to partial shade in moderately moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates a range of conditions. It is deer resistant. For best foliage color and to control spread, prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back stems hard and removing unwanted suckers. An outstanding choice for low hedges, borders, mass plantings, woodland gardens, or as a colorful accent where vibrant, season-long foliage and easy-care nature are desired.