Sorbus aria
Whitebeam
- Height × spread
- 12m × 7m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a good native tree, sturdy and handsome in shape. The spring foliage unfolds to milky-green tones with white on the underside and looks lovely blowing in the breeze. The rounded leaves turn to mid-green, silvery on the underside, for summer. There are domed heads of creamy flowers in May. In autumn the tree has masses of scarlet fruits which are beloved by birds. If they leave any, the fruits can be eaten once they have matured and preferably been frosted. They are said to have a pleasing flavour, like that of a medlar, Mespilus germanica. There are many who find the flavour of the medlar disgusting, but plenty do enjoy it. Finally, the tree will take on gentle autumn hues of russet and yellow.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey
- Spring foliage
- Cream-green
- Autumn foliage
- Brown-russet
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 12m
- Spread
- 7m
- Height in 10 years
- 6m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Deer
- May be browsed by deer
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Winter
Winter · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
The plant is best left largely unpruned. When dormant remove any branches that are dead or diseased. In addition, remove any branches that are awkwardly angled or which grow back through the centre of the plant spoiling its open shape.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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