Sorbus pse Pink Pagoda

'Pink Pagoda' is an outstanding selected form of the Hupeh rowan, chosen for its especially generous crops of vivid pink berries. Its large, blue-green leaves are carried on striking red stalks and twigs, a colouring often compared to Rosa glauca. In late spring they are joined by fluffy clusters of white flowers that are a valuable source of nectar for bees. By autumn the tree is laden with bunches of bright rose-pink berries that hang on well into winter, gradually fading to soft white by midwinter. Meanwhile the foliage turns intense shades of red and orange before it falls, so leaves and berries together give a spectacular display.

This is a compact, bushy tree that reaches around 5m tall and 4m wide in 10 years and around 6m tall in 20 years. It makes a first-class choice for small gardens, front gardens and borders, or a lovely specimen on a lawn or against a dark hedge where the pink berries really stand out. 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 exposed sites, urban pollution and coastal conditions. 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.