About
A spreading tree or shrub up to 8m tall with narrowly oval, finely-toothed and conspicuously veined leaves up to 20cm long; young leaves emerge red in spring before aging to glossy green and then turning red again autumn. Creamy-white, pungent smelling flowers borne in clusters up to 13cm across open with or before the leaves in spring and are folllowed by hard, egg-shaped, brown fruits to 3cm long.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toW 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 moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
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