By Steragram
Pembrokeshire,
United Kingdom 
I have been given a small Sorbaria Sem and am wondering where to put it. Estimates for eventual size vary from 1m to 3m wide. Some say it is suckering but not how enthusiastically and so whether this involves regular work keeping it in check if planted in the wrong place. Having once planted a\ pretty blue comfrey in a border and now having to spend hours trying to get it out again I don't want to make the same mistake again!
I live in West Wales, where the weather is usually mild but can be very windy.
25 Feb, 2011
Answers
It does sucker quite strongly, once established, so it's ultimate spread is unlimited, but it's nothing like the vigor or spread of your Comfrey. So long as you can occasionally attend to it's spread I would worry about planting it....and it is very pretty, particularly in early Spring.
25 Feb, 2011
I've grown it and it does sucker quite strongly.
What hasn't been mentioned is the effect wind has on it - i live in an area that gets a lot of south westerlies and these plants are like Acers in that their foliage gets affected quite badly by it.
The foliage gets shrivelled by strong winds and makes it look less than special - it was the reason i gave mine away.
In a more sheltered area they look gorgeous.
28 Feb, 2011
That's interesting and useful to know, Louise - not mentioned in the published material about this plant. Good to see you back as well...
28 Feb, 2011
I was going to put it in a damp place exposed to strong west winds, so thanks, folks - I will have to think again!
In fact the whole garden is windy so I have a problem...
2 Mar, 2011
Same here, my back garden has a shrub uprooted every year, the spring and autumn winds see to it !
2 Mar, 2011
Needs ordinary soil, not too dry, but not wet either (it suckers more in damp soil) in part sun/part shade. Ultimate height and spread 1.5m, and it does sucker, so needs constant pruning back. Not a low maintenance plant because of the sucker risk, but attractive.
25 Feb, 2011