Overview
Sorbus 'Red Robin' is a bushy, spreading branched trees in the genus Sorbus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Sorbus 'Red Robin' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Sorbus 'Red Robin' is a deciduous tree cultivar within the Sorbus genus, known for its bushy, spreading branched habit. Like other Sorbus plants, it thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with moist but well-drained conditions. This cultivar is suitable for a variety of garden settings, including city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, and wildlife-friendly spaces. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and offers seasonal interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Sorbus is a genus of over 100 species of trees and shrubs in the rose family, Rosaceae. Species of Sorbus (s.str.) are commonly known as rowan or mountain-ash. The genus used to include species commonly known as whitebeam, chequer tree and service tree that are now classified in other genera.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sorbus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sorbus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sorbus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sorbus 'Red Robin' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sorbus 'Red Robin'
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Scale insects, Pear blister mite, Red spider mite, Sawfly larvae
- Disease resistance
- Fireblight, Apple canker, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sorbus 'Red Robin'?
Sorbus 'Red Robin' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sorbus 'Red Robin' need?
Sorbus 'Red Robin' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Sorbus 'Red Robin' hardy in the UK?
Sorbus 'Red Robin' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Sorbus 'Red Robin'?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting.