Sorbus aucuparia
Mountain ash, Quicken wicken, Common mountain ash, European mountain ash
- Height × spread
- 2m – 15m × 1.5m – 9m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The mountain ash with its graceful habit of growth and its clusters of shiny red fruits are popular trees, and there are many useful forms available. There are white flowers in May and the trees have good colour before leaf fall. There are slender forms available such as 'Fastigiata', a variety with yellow or orange fruit, and one with cut leaves 'Asplenifolia', among others.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Orange, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column, Cone, Fan, Oval, Round
- Height
- 2m – 15m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 9m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Structural, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- 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 to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
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
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
More Sorbus
Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling'
Mountain ash
Sorbus
Rowan
Sorbus 'Chinese Lace'
Rowan
Sorbus 'Eastern Promise'
Hybrid mountain ash
Sorbus 'Ethel's Gold'
Rowan
Sorbus 'Ghose'
Rowan
Sorbus 'Joseph Rock'
Rocks rowan
Sorbus 'Leonard Messel'
Rowan