Sorbus pseudohupehensis

The Hupeh rowan is one of the loveliest of all rowans, admired for its unusual blend of colours. Its elegant leaves are a soft blue-green, carried on red stalks. They make a beautiful backdrop in late spring for the fluffy clusters of white flowers, which are much visited by bees. The flowers are followed by heavy bunches of rose-pink berries that persist long into winter, fading slowly to soft white by midwinter. In autumn the foliage turns rich shades of red and orange, and for a while leaves and berries together create a truly memorable display. It is native to Yunnan in south-western China. It is widely grown under several names, including Sorbus hupehensis, 'Pink Pagoda' and 'November Pink'.

This is a small, fairly compact tree that reaches around 6m tall and 3m wide over 20 years, eventually growing to 4–8m. It makes an ideal specimen for a small garden, a front garden or a lawn, and looks particularly good against a dark hedge where the pink berries 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, tolerant of exposed sites and urban pollution, and copes well with coastal conditions. The berries are ornamental and may cause a mild stomach upset if 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.