Sorbus frutescens

RHS Plant Profile
shrubby rowan

Synonyms

Sorbus koehneana misapplied
Sorbus fruticosa McAll.

Award of Garden Merit
Trees Shrubs

One of the smallest white berry rowans, reaching a height of 2m with a similar spread. Dark green compound leaves have an average of 9-13 pairs of leaflets carried on red-orange stems. White flowers appear as a corymb in Spring followed by clusters of white berries in late Summer and Autumn. Striking orange, red and bronze foliage in Autumn creates a bold contrast to the white berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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, Kansu

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, slightly acidic soil. Perfect for small gardens and courtyards

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • 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