Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'
Sem False Spirea
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 3 ft to 4 ft
- Width
- 3 ft to 4 ft
- Flower color
- Creamy white flowers borne in upright feathery panicles
- Foliage color
- Finely divided leaves emerging pink and yellow before maturing green
- Bloom time
- Early to midsummer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove root suckers as needed and prune in late winter to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 2 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies and pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers
About this plant
Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem' produces airy plumes of creamy white flowers in early to midsummer, creating a soft display that attracts bees and other pollinators. Fern-like leaves emerge with shades of copper, orange, and pink before maturing to fresh green, bringing layers of color and texture. The finely divided foliage gives the plant a light, feathery appearance, while the flower clusters are held above the leaves, adding movement and seasonal interest. Autumn brings additional warm tones to the foliage before leaf drop.
Native to eastern Asia and Siberia, the species has long been valued for its ornamental qualities, and this cultivar was selected for its colorful foliage. It is well suited to borders, naturalistic plantings, and woodland gardens, where its changing foliage and summer flowers provide multi-season appeal.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Tulips · Bluebeard · Feverfew · Larkspur · Sea thrifts · Beautyberry
Design tip
Draw attention to ‘Sem’s’ changing foliage by giving it a quiet green backdrop rather than surrounding it with other multicolored plants. The copper, pink, and yellow tones of the new growth then become an early-season feature before the creamy summer flowers take over.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Oregon Monrovia Display Garden.
