About
Sorbus forrestii, Forrest's rowan, is a spreading, deciduous tree with dark blue-green, ash-like leaves of up to 19 leaflets, white flowers in 10 cm wide heads in late spring and white berries tipped with pink. A rewarding and distinctive ornamental rowan 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW China
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
CultivationPrefers moist but well-drained acid or neutral soil in full sun or light, dappled shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, taking semi-ripe 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