Matcha Ball® Ash Leaf Spirea

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 7

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.

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