About
A deciduous tree eventually reaching up to 10m tall. Leaves up to 23cm long are divided into 6-7 pairs of leaflets, toothed towards their ends and turn deep orange to red in autumn. White spring flowers are followed by hanging clusters of abundant white fruits flushed with red and pink.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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; will grow in a wide range of soils but prefers acidic or neutral soil. 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