Sorbus glabriuscula

RHS Plant Profile
glabrous mountain ash

Synonyms

Sorbus aff. glabrescens
Sorbus hupehensis misapplied white-berried
Sorbus glabrescens misapplied

Trees

A small tree with upright branches. The large, blue-green leaves have 11 to 17 leaflets and turn brilliant red in autumn. Clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by bunches of white berries, sometimes tinged pink, from late summer into winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–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
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist but well-drained acid or neutral soil in full sun or light, dappled shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, taking semi-ripe cuttings in early summer, budding in summer or grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • 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