Sorbus 'Copper Kettle'
mountain ash 'Copper Kettle'
A compact, deciduous tree to around 5m tall with spreading branches bearing mid- to deep green leaves divided into pairs of toothed leaflets that turn shades of orange and red in autumn. Clusters of creamy-white spring flowers are followed by coppery-coloured fruit that persist into the winter months turning golden-yellow with age
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Orange | Bronze Orange Yellow | ||
| Winter | Bronze Orange Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Sorbus can be deciduous trees or shrubs with simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers, followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; some have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade; will grow in a wide range of soils but prefers acidic or neutral soil. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.