Sorbus Ravensbill

'Ravensbill' takes its name from its most striking feature. Through winter its bare branches are tipped with long, curved, glossy blue-black buds that look remarkably like a raven's beak. They make a real talking point in the garden when little else is happening. In spring these open to reveal elegant, dark green leaves made up of long, tapering, finely toothed leaflets. They are soon joined by clusters of white flowers that are popular with bees and other pollinators. By autumn the flowers have become hanging bunches of vivid orange to orange-red berries, much enjoyed by birds, and the foliage turns warm shades of yellow, orange and red before it falls. It offers genuine interest in every season.

This is a neat, upright tree with a narrow, oval to columnar shape. It reaches around 4–8m tall but only 2.5–4m wide over 20–50 years, which makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, courtyards and front gardens where space is limited. Plant in full sun or light shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It will grow in a wide range of soils but does best in acid to neutral conditions. It is fully hardy and tolerant of 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.