Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Sorbaria
'Sem'
false spirea
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.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'ᴾᴮᴿ
- Established height
- 1-1.5m
- Established spread
- 1-1.5m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Red, green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 4 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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