About
Sorbus poteriifolia is a very dwarf, deciduous shrub to 30 cm producing pinnate leaves with up to seven pairs of small, glossy-green, serrated leaflets turning crimson to orange in autumn, clusters of small, pink flowers in spring and crimson berries maturing to white with a pink flush. A charming and rewarding miniature Sorbus for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
About the genus
Sorbus, the mountain ashes, rowans and whitebeams, are deciduous trees or shrubs producing simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small, white or pink flowers followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; many provide excellent autumn colour. Rewarding and ornamental trees and shrubs for a sunny, well-drained garden.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW 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
CultivationGrows well in any well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prefers cooler regions in which to grow, and so prefers the climate in the north of UK and Scotland, rather than the warmer south
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, taking semi-ripe cuttings in early summer, 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