Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Mr. Mustard™ False Spiraea (Sorbaria sorbifolia) has very colorful foliage, with colors of yellow, orange, red, pink, and lime green, during the spring. The foliage mellows in the summer to Kelly green. This contrasts nicely with the white flowers that bloom all summer.
This shrub attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Deer, however, do not like this plant. The plant makes a nice groundcover, border, landscape, or in mass plantings. It is often planted on banks and slopes to control erosion. Mr. Mustard False Spiraea is native to Asia, growing from eastern Siberia to Japan, being hardy from 2a to 7b.
Mr. Mustard False Spirea Care
Mr. Mustard™ False Spiraea must have full sun. It likes medium moist, richly organic, well-draining soil. It can also grow in clay and heavy soils. Fertilize in the spring when growth begins with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Water an average amount to keep the soil moist, but allow it to completely dry between watering.
The shrub does not need pruning, but you can prune it after it blooms. You can even cut it to the ground to rejuvenate an old, tired looking shrub. In some areas, you may want to cut out root suckers to prevent the plant from spreading too much.
Mr. Mustard False Spirea Spacing
Mr. Mustard™ False Spiraea is a fairly short shrub at 2-3 feet tall. It really spreads, growing 3-4 feet wide. When planting allow 3-4 feet between plants, center on center. That allows proper air circulation and light exposure to the plants, and gives the root system enough room to grow.
Mr. Mustard False Spirea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 2 to 7 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Spreading
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- Small, white flowers arranged in dense, terminal clusters
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- Foliage Description
- Yellow, Red, and Orange & Bright Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Mr. Mustard False Spirea
- Botanical Name
- Sorbaria sorbifolia 'SMNSSC' USPPAF, Can PBRAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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, 2026 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.
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: 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!