About
A fast-growing, variable tree up to 25m high in the wild but usually to 12m in cultivation, erect when young, later spreading to become broadly conical, with white-downy young branches, older branches purple-brown; the large leaves are simple, sharply toothed, usually elliptic-oblong, sometimes shallowly lobed, 15-25cm long, and are downy white when young, becoming glossy, dark green above and felted white or buff beneath, so that the whole crown appears light grey-green; the downy white flowers are scented like hawthorn and are in loose corymbs, up to 10cm across, in late spring, and are followed by round or pear-shaped fruits, 2cm across, green speckled and flushed with warm brown, or orange-red, ripening in early winter; Sorbus flowers are visited by many insects and their fruits are eaten by many birds.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya, W China
FragranceFlower
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 moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade
PruningNo pruning required or Pruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)
PropagationPropagate by seed
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