About
One of the smallest white berry rowans, reaching a height of 2m with a similar spread. Striking orange, red and bronze foliage in Autumn creates a bold contrast to the white berries. White flowers appear as a corymb in Spring followed by clusters of white berries in late Summer and Autumn. Dark green compound leaves have an average of 9-13 pairs of leaflets carried on red-orange stems.
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 typeSand, Loam, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toChina, Kansu
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, slightly acidic soil. Perfect for small gardens and courtyards
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting
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