| Common Name | False Spirea |
| Genus | Sorbaria |
| Species | S. sorbifolia |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy Deciduous Shrub (suckering, colony-forming) |
| Format | 4″ pots |
| Plug Care | Plant young shrubs promptly upon arrival. Plants should be dormant and can withstand cold temperatures - if the plants have broken dormancy and below freezing temperatures are forecasted, protect tender new growth. Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained until established; water regularly while new roots are developing and during periods with no rain. |
| Netting / Staking | Not required; panicles are typically held well above foliage on sturdy stems. |
| Hardiness | Very hardy (many cultivars reportedly hardy from USDA Zones 2 to 8). Prefers cool to moderate growing climates. |
| Spacing | Space 4 to 6 feet apart for standard cultivars; allow 6 to 8 feet if you want a full colony effect as these will sucker and form clumps. |
| Soil Preference | Best in average to organically rich, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of moisture conditions. |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun gives best flower and foliage color. |
| Pruning | These are vigorous shrubs that can be pruned at any time. Remove root suckers where unwanted to contain spread. |
| When to Plant | Plant in spring swiftly upon arrival. If the plant is still dormant it can withstand below freezing temperatures. If it has broken dormancy, tender new growth needs protection from frost cloth. |
| Harvesting | Harvest can occur at different stages, whenever the plant is needed. Harvest flowers when panicles are partly open, many growers cut when buds are tight but show a hint of opening so they’ll continue to open in water. Cut early in the morning when the plants are hydrated. Foliage can be used but immature foliage might wilt rather quickly. For the longest vase life wait until the seed pods form for late summer and fall arrangements. |
| Post Harvest Care | Re-cut stems and plunge immediately into cool, clean water with a floral preservative for best results. Strip lower foliage that falls below the water line. False spirea’s large panicles are excellent when conditioned (hydrated overnight in cool water) and benefit from frequent water changes and recutting. Keep stems cool for maximum vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | This is a vigorous plant with very few pest or disease issues. |
| Bailey's Notes |
Sorbaria ‘Cherry on Top’ Sorbaria has typically been considered a landscape plant and is relatively new to the cut flower scene. ‘Cherry on Top’ is an ever-changing plant that is as much of a treat in the flower field or garden as it is in the vase. Foliage emerges pink and bronze and matures into a beautiful green with age – the flower stalks emerge as white plumes that transform into beautiful red seed pods which can be used in fall arrangements. You can cut these branches at different times in the season depending on your needs. The shrub will max out at about 5 feet in height and width and is very cold hardy and tolerant of most conditions. This is a false spiraea that really has it all! |
| Resources | NA |