Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size6 x 3 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves turn fiery colours in autumn (deciduous)
FlowersCorymbs of spring flowers
FruitOrnamental pink berries in autumn/winter
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Sorbus hupehensis ‘Pink Pagoda’ has some of the most gorgeous pink berries of all Mountain Ash. Before the berries, attractive blue-green pinnate foliage turns to intense red and orange autumn colours. In May-June, fluffy white corymbs of flowers appear which are popular with honey bees. The berries which follow emerge rose pink in big bundles, before turning paler pink in the winter adding a splash of colour to gardens in autumn and winter. These berries not only look beautiful but they provide tasty food for birds in the winter months.
A fairly compact tree with a bushy habit, this Pink Hupeh Rowan will reach a height and spread of 6 x 3 metres in 20 years. Sorbus ‘Pink Pagoda’ will grow in most positions, including exposed areas. It is often also known as Sorbus November Pink – there’s nothing to tell the difference between them.
AKA Sorbus pseudohupehensis Pink Pagoda, Rowan Pink Pagoda, Pink Pagoda Mountain Ash, Sorbus November Pink, Hupeh Rowan
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.
