Sorbus devoniensis

RHS Plant Profile
Devon whitebeam

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A deciduous, medium to large tree up to 13m high with oblong to elliptic leaves, shallowly lobed, serrated at the margins and up to 12cm long; leaves are dark green above and greyish-green and hairy below. Creamy-white clusters of late spring flowers are followed by rounded, orange to brown fruits up to 1.5cm in diameter that age to brown

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Correct
Plant Range
Great Britain, Ireland

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

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