Sorbus hemsleyi 'John Bond'

RHS Plant Profile
whitebeam 'John Bond'
whitebeam 'John Bond' Wolfgang Bopp
Award of Garden Merit
Trees

'John Bond' is a compact, upright tree with a columnar habit, growing up to 4m tall. The heavily-veined, elliptic leaves are grey-green with downy-white undersides. White flowers in spring are followed by small brown autumn fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers soils that do not dry out

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, by chip budding in summer or grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

If pruning is required, only make cuts in summer to protect against disease

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