Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Cherry on Top’ offers multi-seasonal visual interest in gardens. This deciduous shrub, a cultivar of false spirea, is valued for its unique foliage and adaptability. It combines striking aesthetics with straightforward care, making it appealing for various landscapes.
Meet Sorbifolia ‘Cherry on Top’
This cultivar features vibrant, ever-changing foliage. In spring, new leaves emerge in vivid pink to cherry-red tones. As seasons progress, these fern-like leaves transition to chartreuse green with bronze tips, eventually maturing to light green for summer. It forms a compact, mounding habit, reaching 4 to 6 feet in height and spread.
Beyond its striking foliage, ‘Cherry on Top’ produces masses of showy white flower plumes in mid to late summer. These feathery, astilbe-like flowers are followed by bright red seed pods that persist into fall and winter, providing a food source for birds. The shrub exhibits a moderate growth rate, adding approximately 1 to 2 feet per year. It is notably hardy across a broad range of climates.
Growing Conditions and Care
For optimal growth and intense foliage color, ‘Cherry on Top’ thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates some shade, insufficient light can diminish foliage vibrancy and reduce flowering. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, but adapts to various soil types, including clay and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels.
Consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment and in hot, dry weather. Deep watering once a week is generally recommended, or more frequently if the topsoil dries quickly. This cultivar is remarkably cold-hardy, performing well in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 10, and exhibits heat tolerance. While not requiring strict fertilization, an annual application of a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer in early spring can support vigorous growth.
Planting and Establishment
Select a planting location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball and of the same depth. Gently remove the plant from its container and carefully loosen any tangled roots before placing it into the prepared hole.
After positioning the plant, backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. Immediately following planting, water the shrub thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. The best times for planting are early spring or early fall, allowing the plant to establish its root system before extreme temperatures.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains the health and aesthetic appeal of Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Cherry on Top’. The optimal time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This practice allows for the removal of damaged or dead branches and helps shape the shrub.
Pruning also encourages new growth, which displays the most vibrant cherry-red coloration. To rejuvenate and maintain vigor, cut back about one-third of the oldest, thickest branches annually. While this plant can spread by suckering roots, removing these suckers as they emerge in spring helps control its spread and maintain a tidy form. ‘Cherry on Top’ is generally resistant to most common pests and diseases, though it can occasionally be susceptible to powdery mildew or spider mites in humid conditions. It is also considered deer resistant.
Landscape Applications
Its distinctive features make Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Cherry on Top’ versatile for various garden designs. Its compact, mounding habit and multi-seasonal interest make it effective as a specimen plant. It is also well-suited for mixed shrub borders, providing texture and color contrast.
For larger areas, it can be used in mass plantings, creating impactful sweeps of color and form. Its suckering nature, while manageable with pruning, also makes it a suitable choice for erosion control on slopes or embankments. Its adaptability means it can even be grown in containers, adding vibrant appeal to patios or balconies.