Sorbus aucuparia var. edulis 'Rossica Major'

RHS Plant Profile
rowanberry 'Rossica Major'

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Synonyms

Sorbus aucuparia 'Rossica Major'
Sorbus aucuparia var. edulis 'Rossica' misapplied

Plants for pollinators
Trees
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An upright, deciduous tree with ascending branches forming an oval crown. Leaves are divided into widely spaced, toothed green leaflets, turning shades of orange, red and yellow in autumn. Large, hanging clusters of white spring flowers are followed by red berries in late summer and autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–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)
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
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, moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

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