Sorbus aucuparia 12ltr Pot

Sorbus aucuparia – Rowan / Mountain Ash 12ltr pot

The rowan is one of Britain's best-loved native trees. It's elegant and tough, and it gives something in every season. Flat clusters of white flowers open in late spring. By early autumn they have become bunches of bright red berries, much loved by birds. The feathery, mid to dark green foliage, blue-green underneath, then turns fiery shades of yellow and orange before it falls.

For wildlife, few small trees do more. The blossom feeds bees and other pollinators, and the berries provide autumn food for thrushes, blackbirds and waxwings. The berries are ornamental and shouldn't be eaten raw by people or pets, so wear gloves when handling fruiting branches.

Plant rowan in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, acid to neutral soil. It grows especially well on loam and sandy ground. It is fully hardy, tolerates exposed and upland sites, and has a naturally conical to rounded habit that suits smaller gardens. Expect around 5m in height, and more in favourable conditions. Its eventual size is 4–8m tall with a spread of 2.5–4m. Improve the planting hole with well-rotted compost, stake firmly, and keep the tree well watered through its first summer. Little pruning is needed beyond removing damaged or crossing branches in winter.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.