Sorbaria is a vigorous, deciduous shrub known for its vivid green fern-like foliage and large plumes of creamy white flowers that appear in early to mid-summer. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, it prefers moist, well-drained soil but is tolerant of a range of conditions once established. Fully hardy and easy to grow, Sorbaria is well suited to mixed borders, informal planting schemes, and naturalistic gardens, where it establishes quickly form attractive clumps. The flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to pollinators, while the foliage develops striking red and orange tones in autumn, extending its seasonal interest.

How to plant

— Sorbaria bare roots are suppied in spring for planting between February and May. They will need attention very soon after delivery, unpack within 1-2 days of arrival. They will require light and moisture after transit - place roots in a bucket of water outside to soak, then plant within a week.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Depending on the growing conditions, it is often possible to plant your bare root shrub directly into a border. The soil should be good quality, free draining and the new shrub will need a clear space around it. Dig over the area to soften the soil and remove any weeds. Consider whether any neighbouring plants are likely to dominate the area during the growing season and ensure there is sufficient space for the new shrub to grow without too much competition. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to fit the entire root system. The roots need to be fully submerged after planting, the stem and branches should remain above the soil surface after planting.

— To improve the texture of the growing conditions and give the new shrub a boost of nutrients, you can mix some organic matter like compost or leaf mould. Doing this provides a softer medium for the roots to grow in. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the young roots. If you want to apply manure, this can be added to the soil surface after planting.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the most attractive side facing into the garden. Once in place, backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly after planting to keep the root hydrated and settle the soil.

— If your borders have challenging growing conditions/poor soil (heavy clay or light sandy soil) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you can pot up your bare root shrub to grow-on and establish before transferring into a border later in the year. Pot up into a 20-30cm temporary pot using multipurpose or soil based compost. Ensure the roots are fully submerged and the stem is exposed above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow-on in a sheltered position outside. Once the shrub easily comes out of the pot with the soil held intact by the roots, or the roots become visible through the drainage holes of the pot, it is ready to transplant.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position which is in full sun or partial shade, with moist but well-drained soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water after planting and continue watering regularly for the first year while the shrub settles in. Once established, watering is only necessary during particularly dry spells.

Aftercare

— Sorbaria is dormant when supplied and will not usually have any leaves in early to mid spring. Leaves will emerge by around mid April.

— Water regularly in the first year so that the soil is consistently damp. In dry spells it is better to give a good, deep watering less often, than frequent light watering which may not reach the roots.

— Young plants need very little pruning, only the removal of dead or damaged stems.

— Once the shrub is established, up to a quarter of the oldest, thickest stems can be cut back to the base.

— Old or neglected shrubs can be cut back to the base in early spring, and a feed should be applied afterwards to encourage new growth.

— Apply a generous mulch of organic matter in spring or autumn, to feed the shrub and maintain moisture in the soil.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs