Maintenance Landscaping Design

False spirea is a shrub that is native to eastern Asia. It is also known as the bridal wreath spirea. The false spirea has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The shrub can grow to be up to six feet tall and wide.

Also called

• Astilboides tabularis
  
• False astilbe
  
• Round-leaved astilbe
  
• Umbellate astilbe
  
• Winged spirea

Things to Know

• False spireas are native to North America and Europe.
  
• They are a deciduous shrub, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
  
• False spireas are part of the rose family.
  
• The scientific name for false spirea is Astilbe × arendsii.
  
• They grow in a variety of colors including white, pink, and purple.
  
• False spireas are known for their showy, fluffy flowers.
  
• They bloom in the summer and are often used in cut flower arrangements.
  
• False spireas prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  
• They are relatively easy to care for and are low maintenance.
  
• False spireas are deer resistant.

Related plant:
False Heather

Growing Steps

1. For false spirea, first step is to locate a planting site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
   
2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
3. Place the false spirea in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
4. Water the plant deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
   
5. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
   
6. False spirea should be pruned in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
   
7. To encourage bushier growth, cut back the main stems by one-third.
   
8. Fertilize false spirea in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer.
   
9. Once the plant is established, it is relatively drought tolerant. However, water during prolonged dry periods.
   
10. False spirea is generally pest and disease free.

Related plant:
False Indigo Bush

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, False spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia) is not too demanding. It grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It has a nice tolerance for clay soils. It also does well in average to moist, sandy soils. It is not fond of wet soils. Once false spirea is established, it is quite drought tolerant.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, False Spirea need sunlight to grow properly. Sunlight helps the plant to produce food for itself and helps it to bloom. Without enough sunlight, the plant will not bloom as well. It is best to plant False Spirea in an area that gets full sun for at least six hours a day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for false spirea is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate short periods of time in temps that are a bit lower or higher than this, but for the most part, 68 degrees is ideal. If the temps dip too low, the leaves of the false spirea will start to turn brown and drop off. If the temps get too high, the leaves will start to scorch. So, if you want your false spirea to thrive, aim for 68 degrees.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. False Spirea can tolerate periods of drought, but will not perform well if the soil is constantly dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves may turn brown and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually be harmful. A light application of a all-purpose fertilizer in the spring is really all that's needed. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so be careful when working around them.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your false spirea plant is a very important part of its care. This plant responds well to pruning and can be pruned quite heavily if needed. When pruning, always cut back to a healthy bud or stem. This will encourage new growth and help keep your plant looking its best.

The Propagation

Propagation of false spirea is usually done by division in the spring, although it can also be done by seed. To propagate by division, simply dig up a clump of the plant and divide it into several sections, each with its own roots. Replant the divisions immediately. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in the fall in a cold frame. The seedlings will emerge the following spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about one foot per year, but some plants may grow more quickly. The false spirea is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. When choosing a false spirea for your landscape, be sure to select a variety that is appropriate for the amount of space you have available.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Insect pests such as aphids, mites, and scale can also cause problems for false spirea plants. Sanitation and proper care can help prevent or control these problems.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly.
  
• Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  
• Prune false spirea plants regularly to promote new growth.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  
• Be sure to deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
  
• Protect young plants from frost damage by covering them with a cloth or blanket if cold weather is expected.
  
• Divide false spirea plants every few years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
  
• If aphids are a problem, blast them off with a strong stream of water or spray them with an insecticidal soap solution.
  
• Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, which can be a problem in humid conditions. Treat affected plants with a fung

Similar Plants

• - Cephalaria canariensis
  
• - Cephalaria caricina
  
• - Cephalaria caucasica
  
• - Cephalaria gmelinii
  
• - Cephalaria cephalotes
  
• - Cephalaria calamagrostis
  
• - Cephalaria symbiotica
  
• - Cephalaria scythica
  
• - Cephalaria speciosa
  
• - Cephalaria sventenii
  

Source:
False spiraea : Sorbaria sorbifolia - Rosaceae (Rose) - MISIN
False spring, the understudied effect of climate change - Part 1
Spirea | East Asian Plants: A Cultural and Horticultural Guide