Sorbus
Rowan
- Height × spread
- 0.6m – 16m × 1m – 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
Rowan trees are divided into two types. The mountain ashes with their pinnate foliage, are grown for their autumn fruit, autumn colour and often attractive growth habit. The other type, the lime-loving whitebeams, have larger leaves (very large in the case of Sorbus thibetica 'John Mitchell'), and are generally more solid looking trees altogether. There are many small ornamental forms of Sorbus such as Sorbus cashmeriana which has white berries. There are dainty trees such as Sorbus poteriifolia or the even tinier pink berried Sorbus reducta. There are many large forms that are spectacular in fruit and autumn colour, examples being Sorbus vilmorinii and Sorbus hupehensis. The classic mountain ash Sorbus aucuparia and its varieties includes a slender form (Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata') and a form with dissected leaves. They remain hard to beat as garden trees.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Grey, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Brown, Gold, Orange, Pink, Red, Rose, White, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cone, Dome, Fan, Oval, Round
- Height
- 0.6m – 16m
- Spread
- 1m – 9m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Rock garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Structural, Architectural, Bee attraction, Butterfly 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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
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 '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
Sorbus 'Lombarts Golden Wonder'
Lombart's rowan