Sorbus corymbifera

Trees

A deciduous tree, eventually reaching to around 15m tall with ovate to elliptic, dull green leaves to 13cm long with toothed margins that are semi-evergreen in cultivation and covered on both sides with rusty brown hairs. Small whitish flowers in clusters up to around 5cm across are followed by rounded reddish-brown fruits to 2cm in diameter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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 to Vietnam

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife 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