About
Sorbaria tomentosa is a large, spreading, suckering, deciduous shrub to 6 m in favourable conditions, producing dark-green, pinnate foliage of lance-shaped leaflets and large, fluffy, conical heads of small, perfumed, creamy-white flowers in summer. A rewarding and spectacular large shrub for a sunny or semi-shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Sorbaria are large, deciduous, suckering shrubs producing attractive pinnate leaves and large, terminal panicles of small, white, spiraea-like flowers in summer. Rewarding and ornamental shrubs for a sunny or semi-shaded, moist border.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Useful for waterside plantings but neglected plants can rapidly form thickets when it would have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 2 or pruning group 6; sucker removal in winter
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-riope cuttings or removal of rooted suckers
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free