Sem False Spirea

The Sem False Spirea is a replacement for the more aggressive wild version of this plant. It grows no more than 5 or 6 feet tall, and isn’t invasive. It forms a compact mass of ferny leaves that are pink and red-bronze in spring, turning chartreuse green and then light green for the summer. In late spring clusters of fluffy white flowers top the stems. Its delightful ferny, bamboo-like foliage looks great in Zen gardens and natural woodlands too, and it’s perfect for slopes, the back of beds and woodland gardens.

• Attractive ferny foliage on a smaller bushy plant
• Bright red-bronze spring foliage
• Chartreuse to light-green summer leaves
• Clusters of attractive white, fluffy flowers
• Compact, non-spreading habit

The Sem False Spirea is incredibly cold-hardy, growing even in zone 2, and a great choice in all colder zones. It grows easily and quickly in almost any soil that isn’t very dry or very wet. It thrives all the way from full sun to dappled shade beneath trees, and it takes care of itself. Some pruning in early spring will keep it extra tidy, and some water in dry periods, although established plants are drought resistant.