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photo of Megan Mathey

Meet the Breeder

Megan Mathey
Grand Haven, Michigan

MR. MUSTARD®

False Spirea

Sobaria sorbifolia

'SMNSSC'

PP#33,551; CBRAF

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Sorbaria Mr. Mustard in spring with pink, red, yellow, orange, and green foliage. The yellow, orange, and red foliage of Mr. Mustard Sorbaria in spring Sorbaria Mr. Mustard in summer with white blooms and green foliage. Mr. Mustard false spirea's small habit in trial field
  • Pollinator friendly
  • Long-lasting Foliage
  • Deer resistant
Description

A diminutive selection, about a fifth the size of the species and about half the size of 'Sem'. It boasts brighter and longer-lasting colorful springtime foliage that yields an array of yellow, orange, red, and even pink hues. White, astilbe-like, flowers appear in summer attracting butterflies and other pollinators. As growth slows in mid-summer, the foliage transitions to a Kelly green. Remove the suckers annually to maintain a mounded habit or plant in restricted area to contain its growth. Tolerant of alkaline and clay soils.

USDA Zone
2-7 (-50°F/-45.5°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
2-3'
Width
3-4'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
4", Quick Turn

Soil

Adaptable to all soils except very wet sites.

Pruning

Blooms on old wood - prune after flowering if desired.

Uses

Specimen plant; foundation plantings; mixed borders.

Growing Tips

Benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates.

  • Grower Sheet: Mr. Mustard™ Sorbaria Grower Sheet
  • Spec Sheet: Mr. Mustard™ Sorbaria spec sheet
  • Benchcard: Mr. Mustard™ Sorbaria Benchcard
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week October 1, 2020

    • Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Foliage interest

    Filters: Botanical genus: Sobaria, Common name: False Spirea, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 2, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Foliage interest

    Filters: Botanical genus: Sobaria, Common name: False Spirea, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 2, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage