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Sorbus thibetica 'John Mitchell'
  • RHS AGM

Tibetan whitebeam 'John Mitchell'

'John Mitchell' is a compact medium-sized deciduous tree with broadly rounded leaves up to 15cm in length, white-hairy when young, later glossy green above, white-hairy beneath. Creamy white flowers followed by brown fruits

Synonyms
Sorbus 'Mitchellii'
Sorbus thibetica 'John Mitchell'
see moreSorbus aria 'Mitchellii'
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream White Green Grey Silver White
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver Yellow Red Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
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

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