Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling'

RHS Plant Profile
rowan 'Sheerwater Seedling'
rowan 'Sheerwater Seedling' RHS

Synonyms

Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Trees

'Sheerwater Seedling' is a medium-sized cultivar with an upright habit; the branches ascending to form an oval shaped crown. It provides autumn colour as the pinnate leaves turn fiery colours and from the large trusses of orangey-red berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

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

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–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
Columnar upright
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in moderately fertile soil and a wide range of acid or alkaline soils. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution. An ideal specimen tree in a small town, wild or woodland garden

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

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