Sorbus domestica
service tree
A tree, up to 20m high, with a domed, open crown and level, spreading branches and orange-tinged brown bark which cracks into small rectangles. Pinnate leaves, 15-22cm long, with 13-21 oblong, partly-serrated, dark yellowish-green leaflets, turn orange-red or yellow in autumn. Domed clusters, about 10cm across, of greyish-cream flowers appear in early summer and are followed by green fruits, 2-3cm long, which are tinged brownish-red on the sunny side and shaped like small apples or pears, in late summer and early autumn
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Brown Orange | Green Yellow | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Brown Orange | Cream Grey Silver | Green Yellow | Green Brown Red |
Autumn | Brown Orange | Orange Red Yellow | Green Brown Red | |
Winter | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe Africa Asia M
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
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Architectural
- City and courtyard 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 and sawfly larvae
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.