
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
With delicate, fern-like leaves that emerge peachy in the spring then mature to Matcha-tea green, the Matcha Ball Ash Leaf Spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Matcha Ball’) is a beautiful, round, and petite shrub that fits perfectly into any sunny garden. The Matcha Ball has soft, deciduous leaves that display exciting fall colors in yellows and oranges; with bare red stems in the winter, this beauty has year-round interest. This tropical-looking variety is grown more for its leaves than blooms. The Matcha Ball is fast growing, reaching 2-3 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
The Matcha Ball Ash Leaf Spirea requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional shaping and pruning in the late winter or early spring before leaves emerge. This shrub will grow best in full to part sun and isn’t particular about the kind of soil it is planted in as long as it is well draining. The Matcha Ball prefers regular watering, though can tolerate periods of drought once established. With leaves that fill out to the ground, the Matcha Ball Ash Leaf Spirea does well as a low-growing hedge, in mass plantings, or even in containers paired with annuals or as a standalone plant.
Matcha Ball Ash Leaf Spirea Care
Choose a spot that receives full to part sun for best results. To plant the Matcha Ball, dig a hole that is the same depth and at least twice the width of the root ball. Water this shrub regularly in its first year, only allowing the top few inches to dry before watering deeply. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, even after this shrub is established. When using Matcha Ball in containers, it may need more frequent watering to prevent the roots from drying out and the leaves from getting crispy.
Matcha Ball is a compact shrub that may need occasional shaping and pruning as it grows. In the late winter, once the threat of extreme cold has passed, shape this shrub by removing no more than 30% of the branches. The pruning will help keep this false spirea within the desired space as it has the potential to spread. Though Matcha Ball can be planted in containers, it is not likely to survive through the winter in a pot and should be moved into a protected garage or enclosure.
Matcha Ball Ash Leaf Spirea Spacing
With a final width of about 3-4 feet, give the Matcha Ball plenty of room to grow and spread if desired. To plant a hedge, place each shrub 2-3 feet apart, and they will quickly grow together. These plants can be kept in large containers with other plants and are also full enough to grow alone.
Matcha Ball® Ash Leaf Spirea Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 7 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White, Yellow |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 3 Season Interest |
Watering: Low |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Bees |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Brand: First Editions |
Common Name: Matcha Ball® Ash Leaf Spirea |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Matcha Ball® |
- SKU:
- 1231011464-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!