Also known as False Spirea · 291 saves
Sorbaria
Sorbaria, the genus most gardeners know as false spirea. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Sorbaria varieties
Browse all 6 Sorbaria varieties →
Species of Sorbaria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Sorbaria in Sow
Save the Sorbaria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Sorbaria
Whats common across all Sorbaria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Sorbaria year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Cut back oldest canes to the ground (renewal pruning) to encourage colorful new growth.
- DeadheadJuly and August67% of varieties
Remove spent flower plumes if they become unsightly.
- PropagateFebruary, March and September50% of varieties
Dig and transplant root suckers in spring or fall to control spread or start new plants.
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged wood before spring growth begins.
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
What goes wrong with Sorbaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or yellowing leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Hardened bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply a fungicide or improve air circulation |
Making more Sorbaria
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections just below a node.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain humidity and keep in indirect light.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate clumps with a sharp spade.
- Replant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly.
- Keep soil moist during establishment.
Sorbaria questions
How many types of Sorbaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Sorbaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 291 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sorbaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Sorbaria covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sorbaria bloom?
Most Sorbaria varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sorbaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.