About
Sorbus caloneura, the beautifully veined mountain ash, is a large shrub or small tree to 4�5 m in cultivation, with doubly toothed, simple, bold green leaves appearing early in the season, turning golden-orange in autumn, and dense, flat clusters of clear-white flowers with pink-purple anthers in early summer, followed by brown fruits in late summer. A rewarding and distinctive ornamental Sorbus for a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Sorbus, the mountain ashes, rowans and whitebeams, are deciduous trees or shrubs producing simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small, white or pink flowers followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; many provide excellent autumn colour. Rewarding and ornamental trees and shrubs for a sunny, well-drained garden.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native toC. China
FragranceFlower
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 moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade
PruningNo pruning required / Pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed
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