Sorbus 'Purple Magic' 120cm stem C18

Sorbus ‘Purple Magic’ is a rowan that stands out from the crowd. It’s a compact, upright small tree, and it’s grown for its unusual heavy clusters of purple-red berries that ripen in early autumn. Flat heads of white flowers open in late spring and draw in bees and butterflies. The glossy dark green leaves have striking red central veins, and in autumn they turn a fiery mix of yellow, orange and deep red. Once the berries ripen, they’re a valuable food source for garden birds well into the colder months.

‘Purple Magic’ grows to around 4–5m tall with a fairly narrow, upright crown, which makes it a good choice for smaller gardens, a front garden or a lawn where a larger tree wouldn’t fit. It is fully hardy and tolerant of wind, copes with most soils and takes either full sun or partial shade, so it’s an easy tree to place. It’s also notably resistant to disease. Water well during its first couple of summers while it establishes, and keep the base clear of grass and weeds. Little pruning is needed beyond removing any crossing or damaged branches in winter. The berries are ornamental and shouldn’t be eaten raw, so it’s best planted where young children won’t be tempted. Supplied at approximately 120cm tall.