Key features
Final size5 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageLacy green leaves turn shades of orange to purple in autumn
FlowersCorymbs of flowers in late spring/summer, berries in autumn/winter
FruitOrnamental berries
PositionFull sun to part shade
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Something special, Sorbus ‘Chinese Lace’ is one of the very nicest ornamental trees for deeply cut, lacey foliage. Mid-green, pinnate leaflets are beautifully serrated and turn stunning shades of orange, yellow, russet, red and purple in the autumn. Corymbs of fluffy white flowers in May-June are popular with bees and are followed by orangey-red berries that appear in the autumn, a feast for birds throughout the winter.
The tree itself has a rounded head and is small, growing to just 5 x 4 metres in 20 years. This makes it an ideal small garden tree, where it will cast only dappled shade. Sorbus ‘Chinese Lace’ is a beautiful cut leaved variety of Mountain Ash tree that has numerous features and is very deserving of a space in the garden.
AKA Cut leaved mountain ash, Cut leaved Rowan, Sorbus Chinese Lace
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Rowan require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
Rowan trees require a strong framework to support their many berries, so it is good to encourage this by raising the crown in summer. Simply prune the lower branches and any crossing, damaged or diseased branches within the crown. Hard pruning can be carried out in the dormant season, from autumn to winter.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
