Sorbus thuringiaca f. fastigiata
A small, slow-growing, hardy tree, columnar in habit when young becoming broadly oval as it matures, with dark green leaves which are silvery-grey on the undersides. The foliage turns to bright orange in the autumn. Creamy-white flowers appear in the spring, followed by masses of bright red berries hanging in clusters which are attractive to birds. Tolerant of heat and air pollution and a good choice for both urban spaces and gardens
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Red | ||
| Autumn | Orange | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to dappled shade, adding well-rotted compost to the hole prior to planting. Stake firmly
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings, treated with hormone rooting powder and rooted in a closed case with bottom heat or under mist in spring and early summer, by budding in summer, or by grafting in summer or winter. Although not all cuttings will root readily, in general, plants grown on their own roots produce better specimens
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Minimal pruning required - remove dead or diseased branches in late autumn or winter
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, silver leaf, apple canker, honey fungus and fireblight
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.