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The trees in the Sorbus genus are from the Rosaceae family and most of these fantastic trees are native to China. Sorbus trees are commonly known as Rowan, Mountain Ash or Whitebeam trees; notably, despite the common name of 'Mountain Ash', these trees are not related to ash trees – but some varieties do have similar leaves to that of an ash. The leaves are divided up into attractive leaflets, which are often pinnate in shape, and many varieties feature fantastic autumn leaf colour. These trees are deciduous so they will lose their leaves in autumn, but they have added autumn interest with the clusters of fruit, and these usually hold on well into winter. The highly distinctive berry-like fruits make a stunning autumn display and they are great for attracting wildlife to your garden too. If you want to attract birds to your garden they try planting one of the more colourful fruiting varieties, like the 'Joseph Rock', and this variety is actually known as the 'bird catcher' because the golden yellow berries prove to be irresistible to birds. Instead of letting the birds take the berries, you could actually pick them and make your own rowan jelly – this is a great accompaniment to game-based dishes and it adds a tangy twist.
In terms of uses in the garden, Sorbus trees are great for adding height and structure and they look particularly effective when they are planted in a row in front of a wall or fence. You can try planting alternate varieties next to each other to create an appealing autumnal display of colour.
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Sorbus aucuparia
Mountain Ash Rowan Tree
Common Name: Mountain Ash, Quicken tree, RowanLatin Name: Sorbus aucupariaSoil: Moist but well-drainedPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: May to June/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 6m x 3mSpecial features: Attractive red berries in autumn. Sorbus aucuparia is a British native that boasts delightful spring flowers, luscious green leaves and a vivid autumnal show of colour from both foliage and fruit: this really is a tree with so much to offer. In spring, the luscious green foliage emerges and brings the tree to life: the leaves are made up of pinnate leaflets that are serrated at their edges and pointed at their tips. In late spring and early summer, clusters of delicate white flowers appear. The tiny, single, creamy-white flowers pop up all over the tree and are somewhat alluring to bees and insects as they radiate light and sweet scent. Autumn is by far the most exciting time for the delightful Aucuparia: it puts on a stunning show of colour before the leaves fall for winter. The feathery leaves turn to firey shades of deep red, burnt orange, which adds a real burst of colour to the garden as the dark nights draw in. At the same time, clusters of dazzling ruby-red berries adorn the branches and the juicy berries are irresistible to birds. The berries can disappear quickly, so if you want the fruit for rowan jelly, pick them as soon as they are ripe to avoid disappointment. Once mature, this Rowan forms a fairly open and somewhat broad-headed tree: it makes a great specimen but also works well in groups. The Aucuparia, which is widely found across Britain and parts of Europe, is a tree that is tolerant of a range of conditions. This native Rowan can thrive in a range of soil types, but it does require the soil to be moist yet well-drained. Plant this tree in a sunny spot in your garden to see it flourish. We would recommend planting it alongside the delightful Sorbus Eastern Promise as the rosy pink berries of the Eastern Promise sit beautifully against the glossy red berries of the Aucuparia.
Sorbus Pink Pagoda
Mountain Ash Tree
Common Name: Pink Pagoda Mountail Ash TreeLatin Name: Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda'Soil: Moist but well-drained or well-drained.Position: Full sun to partial shadeFlowering period/colour: Spring/ Creamy-whiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 8m/ 5mSpecial features: Graceful weeping habit. Clusters of creamy-white flowers. Pink berries in autumn. Stunning autumn foliage.The Pink Pagoda Mountain Ash Tree, or Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda', is a beautiful sight any garden or landscape. With its graceful weeping habit and stunning seasonal display, it adds character to outdoor spaces.Thriving in well-drained soil and adaptable to varying light conditions, the Pink Pagoda Mountain Ash Tree offers versatility and resilience. In spring, it showers your garden with clusters of creamy-white flowers, creating a striking display.As the year progresses, Sorbus hupehensis transforms and changes. In summer, its lush green foliage provides shade and shelter, while in autumn, it bears clusters of pink berries, adding a splash of colour to the landscape and attracting wildlife.One of the standout features of this tree is its stunning autumn foliage. As the leaves change, they transition to vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, creating a picturesque display.With a projected height of 8 metres and a spread of 5 metres in 20 years, the Pink Pagoda Mountain Ash Tree is a presence in any garden. You can plant it as a standalone specimen to showcase its weeping habit or incorporate it into your mixed planting scheme. Grab a Sorbus hupehensis today and enjoy its rolling colour, year in, year out.
Sorbus aria Lutescens
Whitebeam Tree
Common Name: Whitebeam TreeLatin Name: Sorbus aria 'Lutescens'Soil: Most soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 7m/5mSpecial features: Orange and red fruits in the autumn. This Whitebeam is a truly striking tree which will have a real presence in your garden. In spring, the fresh foliage is covered in creamy white down and as the weeks progress the colour changed to a grey-green colour. Pretty white flowers appear in May and these later become scarlet autumn fruits. The leaves turn yellow before falling, at this time the ornamental bark can be admired with its orange and beige tones. This is an outstanding tree which makes the perfect lawn specimen.
Sorbus vilmorinii
Vilmorins Rowan Tree
The Sorbus vilmorinii, known as the Vilmorins Rowan Tree, is a great addition to any gardener’s dream space. The Vilmorins Rowan Tree flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil under full sun or partial shade. In spring, flat-headed corymbs of small creamy-white flowers emerge and are later replaced by attractive berries. The berries are one of the best attributes of this tree; they initially have a crimson-pink colour and the colour slowly drains to a near-white colour. Plus, they’re an inviting treat for local wildlife. Before you know it, your garden will be full of the sounds of chirping and buzzing. As autumn rolls around, the foliage transitions from feathery greens to rich reddish hues and purple tones, which add warmth to any landscape.The delicate, fern-like leaves hang gracefully on the arching branches and contrast beautifully with the summer flowers and the autumn berries. With an eventual height of 5 metres and a similar spread of 5 metres, the Sorbus vilmorinii invites you to make it a centrepiece of your outdoor haven. With its compact growth habit, it’s a great choice for smaller gardens. Enrich the landscape of your outdoor space with the Vilmorins Rowan Tree today! Common Name: Vilmorins Rowan TreeLatin Name: Sorbus vilmoriniiSoil: Most soils except shallow chalkPosition: Full sun or light shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/ WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyHeight/spread in 20 years: 5m x 5mSpecial features: Small, undemanding tree with great autumnal colours.
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Sorbus torminalis
Wild Service Tree
Common Name: Wild Service Tree Latin Name: Sorbus torminalis Soil: Most well drained soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height: 11m/6mSpecial features: Dark brown fruits that are usually ripe in SeptemberThe 'Wild Service Tree', as it is commonly known, is actually a British native; it is a rare find in woodland today, but it was cherished by foragers many years ago due to its deliciously sweet fruits. It is said that people would hang the fruits to dry and enjoy them as a sweet treat. Aside from the small fruits, the tree itself has a lot to offer. In spring, alongside the white flowers, glossy green leaves shoot through and these hold their colour until autumn; at this time they fade to russet reds and oranges. On mature specimens, the bark adds winter interest as it peels away in rectangular strips. A great choice for a feature tree.
Sorbus Sunshine
Rowan Tree
Common Name: Sunshine Rowan TreeLatin Name: Sorbus aucuparia 'Sunshine'Soil: Moist but well-drained or well-drained.Position: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April to May/ WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual Height/spread: 10m x 7mSpecial features: Attractive orange-yellow berries. Good autumn colour.Sorbus 'Sunshine' is an upright growing tree when young later forming a rounded shape with maturity. Large clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by orange-yellow berries in late September developing slightly earlier than its parent 'Joseph Rock.' The sharply toothed, bright green leaves turn orange, red and purple in the autumn.
Sorbus aria
Whitebeam Tree
Common Name: WhitebeamLatin Name: Sorbus AriaSoil: Most well drained soilsPosition: Full sun or partial shadeFlowering period/colour: April to May/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 12m x 7mSpecial features: Dark red fruits in autumn.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.
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Sorbus White Wax
White Sorbus Tree
Common Name: White Sorbus TreeLatin Name: Sorbus kohneana 'White Wax'Soil: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, SandyPosition: Full sunFlowering period/colour: April to May/WhiteHardiness: Fully hardyEventual height/spread: 7m x 7mSpecial features: Unusual white berries throughout autumn and winter.This unusual small tree is a stark contrast to the traditional range of red fruited Sorbus. As the name suggests 'White Wax' produces large bunches of clear white fruits held on red stems. The pinnate leaves are a pleasing mid green colouring well in autumn. It makes a superb specimen tree for a small garden, the white fruits lasting well into autumn as the birds seem to avoid them.
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