Key features
Final size6 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliagePinnate leaves turn red and yellow in autumn
FlowersWhite flowers in spring, yellow berries in autumn/winter
FruitOrnamental berries
PositionFull sun to part shade
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ is renowned for its amber yellow, late summer berries that hang onto the tree into winter before becoming a welcome treat for birds. The pinnate foliage is a light/mid green and turns vibrant shades of red, orange, copper, purple and scarlet in the autumn, which set off the yellow berries beautifully. Corymbs of creamy white flowers adorn the branches in May-June and attract plenty of wildlife, especially bees.
Also known as the Yellow Berried Mountain Ash tree, ‘Jospeh Rock’ is upright and neat in form, growing to only 6 x 4 metres in 20 years. This popular choice makes an outstanding small garden tree and is worthy of a space in any garden. Sorbus Joseph Rock deservedly has the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
AKA Yellow berried mountain ash tree, Yellow berried rowan tree, Mountain ash Joseph Rock, Sorbus rehderiana Joseph Rock
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.
