About
A small deciduous tree, to around 6m high, with oval to diamond-shaped glossy green leaves, roughly serrated towards the tips and with some silvery-grey felting on the undersides. Flat clusters of white flowers are produced in late spring, followed in autumn by clusters of round, flattened, speckled red berries.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toGreat Britain (Avon Gorge)
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
CultivationThrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown fresh in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer
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