Sorbus
Commonly known as Rowan Trees, Mountain Ash and Whitebeam, depending ofn the species Sorbus are grown for the year round coloour and texture that they add to the garden.
The varieties known as 'Whitebeams' have simple undivided leaves, those known as 'Mountain Ash' have pinnate or divided leaves.
Flowers in spring, good autumn color and berries that last into the winter, red, white or yellow depending on the species. They grow well in most soil conditions and landscapers find then versatile.
Sorbus trees and species for the UK garden include the best known of the genus which is Sorbus aucuparia also known as the Rowan Tree, and Sorbus cashmiriana (Kashmir Rowan).
Care and Varieties
Regarded as an easy tree to grow most species provide year round interest with flowers in spring, good autumn colour and of course the berries in winter.
- Sorbus aria lutescens is one known as the 'Whitebeam', and with the silvery white folaige foliage paler on the underside makes a great foliage tree. Good autumn colour and reaching a height of around 6m over 15 - 20 years.
Sorbus megalocarpa is a Chinese species with very large berries, the foliage is large and coarsly toothed, good flowers in spring.- Sorbus scalaris with its showy white flowers and fern like foliage will reach around 4 - 6 m, red berries in winter add interest. Also known as the 'Chinese Mountain Ash'. With wonderful pink berries that follow the white flowers.
- Sorbus cashmiriana is the Kashmir Rowan tree, porcelien white berries that last well into winter.
- Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda' is probably one of the showiest of all.
- Sorbus commixta is known as the Japanese Rowan tree. Pinate foliage that turns a brilliant red in autumn.
Sorbus are available for sale from the following nurseries
CHEW VALLEY TREES - Tel: 01275 333 752
Winford Road Chew Magna Bristol BS40 8HJ
Tree nursery selling top quality specimen and ornamental bare root and container grown trees, shrubs, hedging and fruit trees. Available wholesale and retail nationwide.
Includes: Sorbus Aria, Sorbus Aria Lutescens, Sorbus Cashmiriana, Sorbus Intermedia and others.
