About
A medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree to 6m, with reddish shoots and fern-like pinnate leaves composed of many small leaflets. Flowers creamy-white; fruits 6mm, white with red stalks.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toC. 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
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, by chip budding in summer 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