Sorbus hybrida L. 'Gibbsii'

RHS Plant Profile
mountain ash 'Gibbsii'
mountain ash 'Gibbsii' RHS 2002

Synonyms

Sorbus pinnatifida 'Gibbsii'

Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A medium-sized deciduous tree with ascending main branches and a rounded crown bearing oblong leaves to 15cm, lobed with 1-2 pairs of free leaflets at base. White flowers are followed by globose, deep red fruits 12mm in length

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

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

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
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
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