About
A small, slow-growing, hardy tree, columnar in habit when young becoming broadly oval as it matures, with dark green leaves which are silvery-grey on the undersides. Tolerant of heat and air pollution and a good choice for both urban spaces and gardens. Creamy-white flowers appear in the spring, followed by masses of bright red berries hanging in clusters which are attractive to birds. The foliage turns to bright orange in the autumn.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHumans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten
Care notes
CultivationPlant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to dappled shade, adding well-rotted compost to the hole prior to planting. Stake firmly
PruningMinimal pruning required - remove dead or diseased branches in late autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings, treated with hormone rooting powder and rooted in a closed case with bottom heat or under mist in spring and early summer, by budding in summer, or by grafting in summer or winter. Although not all cuttings will root readily, in general, plants grown on their own roots produce better specimens
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, silver leaf, apple canker, honey fungus and fireblight