About
Olympic Flame' is a small, columnar tree that exhibits startling autumn colour as the large leaves with their many leaflets turn vibrant reds and oranges. Creamy-white flowers in late spring develop into clusters of shiny red berries that persist from autumn into winter.
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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, 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 soil that does not dry out. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution; ideal specimen tree for a small garden
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or chip 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