Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size4 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageLacy leaves with autumn colour (deciduous)
FlowersWhite flowers in spring, pink berries in autumn-winter
FruitOrnamental berries
SoilPrefers well-draining soil
Description
Ideal for smaller gardens, Sorbus vilmorinii is full of wow factor. The pinnate foliage is fine and fern-like and dances in even the most subtle breeze, whilst autumn brings shades of red and purple to the leaves. In early summer, small white flowers in corymbs are produced that adorn this ornamental tree in a fluffy froth that is very popular with wildlife, especially bees. In the autumn heavy bunches of rose pink berries are formed, which slowly turn to white and hang onto branches well into the winter.
This is a lovely small Rowan tree that will grow to 4 x 4 metres in 20 years and has an elegant spreading habit. A lovely variety with the RHS Award of Garden Merit that is tolerant of most conditions including exposed sites but prefers a slightly acidic soil where possible. Vilmorins rowan is the perfect tree when there is room for only one.
AKA Vilmorin rowan tree, Vilmorin’s rowan tree, Sorbus pseudovilmorinii
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.
