Sorbus vilmorinii
Vilmorin's rowan
S. vilmorinii is a small, spreading deciduous tree to 5m in height, the fern-like leaves with many small leaflets turning purple in autumn. Flat heads of creamy-white flowers followed by crimson fruits fading to near-white
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Red White | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Useful plant shrub or small tree for the smaller garden. May be short-lived on shallow, chalky soil
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer or propagate by seed sown in containers in a coldframe in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 2 or 6
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.