About
Sorbus sargentiana, Sargent's rowan, is a spreading, medium-sized, deciduous tree with stout shoots and large, sticky, winter buds, producing pinnate leaves to 30 cm turning bright orange-red in autumn, white flowers and large clusters of small, red fruit. One of the most spectacular and rewarding ornamental rowans for a large, sunny, well-drained garden.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toChina
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 soil. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, chip budding in summer or grafting in winter. Propagate by seed (sown outdoors) in autumn
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