Sorbaria 'Sem'
"False spirea"
Orders placed until 29 February 2026
You can expect your order in February/March 2026
Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2026
You can expect your order in March/April 2026
Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
UK orders over £50
Free shipping
UK orders under £50
£4.99
Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99
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Description
Sorbaria 'Sem' is a shrub with a big personality—one that changes its outfit several times through the year. In spring, it bursts into life with fern-like leaves flushed in shades of pink, bronze and fresh lime, as though caught mid-celebration. By summer, the foliage mellows to a soft green, perfectly setting off its upright spires of tiny white flowers that seem to sparkle in the sunlight. Come autumn, Sorbaria 'Sem' closes the season in a blaze of warm reds and coppers, a final encore before winter’s rest. Compact yet full of presence, it’s a plant that rewards any gardener who appreciates subtle drama over loud performance.
Holding an RHS Award of Garden Merit, Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem' is a reliable and low-maintenance choice for borders, slopes or naturalistic planting schemes. It thrives in well-drained soil and good light—just enough sunshine to bring out the best in its chameleon-like foliage. With its tidy habit and upright stems, Sorbaria 'Sem' is equally at home softening a mixed border or creating structure in smaller gardens. Hardy and unfussy, Sorbaria 'Sem' offers year-round visual interest with barely a hint of neediness. It’s the sort of shrub that quietly gets on with the job, looking fabulous while doing so—exactly the kind of garden companion every gardener deserves.
Sorbaria is called false spirea because its frothy white flower plumes resemble true spirea, though it belongs to a different plant family.
Key features
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Perfect for pots
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Comes back every year
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Fragrant
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Attractive to wildlife
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Thrives well in full sun
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In peat-free compost
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Low maintenance
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RHS Award (AGM)
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Drought tolerant
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Fully hardy
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Rodent resistant
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'ᴾᴮᴿ
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Plant size
1
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Established height
1-1.5m
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Established spread
1-1.5m
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Plant spacing
4 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Red, green
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Habit
Clump-forming
Upright -
Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
1-2 years
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Sunlight
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade -
Position
Sheltered
Exposed -
Suitable for
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Free draining
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Soil type
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost -
RHS Award (AGM)
Yes
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Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
Yes
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
Yes
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak the Sorbaria 'Sem' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting
Plant your "False spirea" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost within a week of delivery and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed until 29 February 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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