Sorbus Pink Ness

'Pink-Ness' is a distinctive rowan raised at Ness Botanic Gardens, the University of Liverpool's garden on the Wirral, which is known for its fine collection of Sorbus. It stands out for its unusual mauve-pink berries, a softer, more muted shade than most pink-berried rowans. In late spring it bears clusters of white flowers that are popular with bees. These ripen into bunches of mauve-pink fruit that stand out beautifully against the foliage. The pinnate leaves are made up of neat, toothed, grey-green leaflets. They give the tree a cool, refined look through summer before turning warm shades of orange and red in autumn.

This is a small, upright tree with a broadly conical shape that reaches around 5m tall and 2.5m wide in 10 years. That makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, front gardens and informal or wildlife-friendly planting. Plant in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It prefers acid to neutral conditions. It is fully hardy and tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions. Like all rowans, the berries are ornamental and should not be eaten, so wear gloves when handling it and bear this in mind in gardens used by children and pets. Water well through its first couple of summers while it establishes. Little pruning is needed beyond removing any crossing or damaged branches in winter.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.