About
This broadly columnar, deciduous tree to 12m in height, with broad elliptic leaves to 15cm in length, glossy dark green above, whitish beneath and turning yellow in autumn. Clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring are followed by dark red berries.
About the genus
Sorbus can be deciduous trees or shrubs with simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers, followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; some have fine autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and dry conditions
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, chip budding in summer or grafting in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus