Sorbus discolor (Maxim.) Maxim.
A deciduous tree, 7-10m high, with an open crown of ascending branches and pinnate leaves with 11-15 partly-serrated, dark green leaflets, richly-coloured in autumn. White flowers in late spring or early summer are followed by loose clusters of rounded, pink-tinged, creamy-yellow fruit, on red stalks, in late summer and early autumn
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Cream Yellow Pink | |
| Autumn | Red | Cream Yellow Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Sorbus can be deciduous trees or shrubs with simple or pinnate leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers, followed by white, yellow, pink, red or brown berries; some have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
No pruning required / Pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite, sawfly larvae, leaf weevils, and leopard moth
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, apple canker, silver leaf and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.