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Sorbus hemsleyi 'John Bond'
  • RHS AGM

whitebeam 'John Bond'

'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

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Grey Silver White
Summer Green Grey Silver White
Autumn Green Grey Silver White Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

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

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