Mr. Mustard False Spirea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

2 to 7

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.