Sorbus Sunshine

'Sunshine' lives up to its name, bringing a burst of golden colour to the garden from late summer into autumn. It was raised by Hillier Nurseries in 1968 from the celebrated Chinese rowan 'Joseph Rock'. It has darker green leaves than its parent, and larger berries that ripen earlier. In late spring it bears broad clusters of white flowers that are a valuable source of nectar for bees and other insects. These are followed by heavy bunches of glossy golden-yellow berries that deepen towards orange-yellow as the season goes on. They often hang on after the leaves have fallen, if the birds leave them. In autumn the feathery, sharply toothed leaves turn rich shades of orange, red and purple, setting the berries off beautifully.

This tree grows upright when young and broadens into a more rounded crown with age. It reaches around 6m tall and 4m wide over 20 years, eventually growing to 8–10m. That makes it an excellent choice for small to medium gardens, front gardens and informal planting, or as a bright lawn specimen. Plant in full sun or light shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It flowers and berries best in sun. It grows on a wide range of soils but is best avoided on shallow chalk. It is fully hardy and tolerant of urban pollution. 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.