Sorbus ull Olympic Flame™

As its name suggests, Olympic Flame™ is prized for one of the most spectacular autumn displays of any small tree. Its large, glossy leaves, made up of many long, tapering leaflets, emerge bronze in spring and mature to a rich dark green through summer. Then, in autumn, they blaze into fiery shades of orange, scarlet and red that glow even on the dullest days. In late spring it bears clusters of creamy-white flowers, much visited by bees. These are followed by heavy bunches of shiny orange-red berries that persist from autumn into winter. It comes from Ulleungdo, a volcanic island off the coast of South Korea, where it was collected as seed by the Swedish botanist Tor Nitzelius in 1976. It is named after the island's port of Dodong.

This is a neat, upright tree with a compact, columnar to broadly conical shape. It reaches around 6m tall and 4m wide over 20 years, which makes it an ideal specimen for small gardens, front gardens and confined spaces. Plant in full sun or light shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that doesn't dry out. It grows well in most soils, including clay. On light, sandy ground, dig in plenty of well-rotted compost to help retain moisture. It is fully hardy and tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions. However, young trees appreciate some shelter from cold, drying winds and dislike reflected heat from surrounding paving. 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. 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.