Sorbus aucuparia subsp. maderensis

RHS Plant Profile
Madeira rowan

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Madeira rowan RHS

Synonyms

Sorbus decora misapplied, Sorbus maderensis

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees
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A large shrub or small tree with sea-green leaves, composed of 13 to 17 leaflets, turning russet in autumn. Heads of small, fluffy, creamy-white flowers in spring are followed by large, conspicuous clusters of orange berries that mature to red

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
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

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
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental; not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental; not 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
Madeira

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds

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