Sorbaria

A genus of about seven species in the Himalaya and E. Asia, allied to Spiraea, but with pinnate leaves. Flowers small, white, in panicles. Carpels united at the base.

Bearing their panicles on the current season’s growths, the sorbarias will flower more freely if the stems are shortened back in winter or early spring. On established plants old shoots should be cut clean out, to make room for replacement shoots from the base. The sorbarias thrive best in a good, moist soil. The commoner species may be increased by division or by taking rooted pieces off the plant; propagation by root-cuttings is also practised.