About
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial from European mountains with small, greyish, hairy, palmately divided leaves and solitary, saucer-shaped, pale yellow flowers with a darker eye in spring. A compact and modest alpine Potentilla for a cool, well-drained rock garden.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
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 soils that do not dry out. Adaptable to many soil types, but shows best autumn colour on chalk. Grow in sun or light shade. Ideal tree for small gardens
PruningIf pruning is required, only make cuts in summer to protect against disease
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, by 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