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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'

Sem False Spirea

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early to midsummer

Find this plant

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.