Sorbus hemsleyi 'John Bond'
whitebeam 'John Bond'
'John Bond' is a compact, upright tree with a columnar habit, growing up to 4m tall. The heavily-veined, elliptic leaves are grey-green with downy-white undersides. White flowers in spring are followed by small brown autumn fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Grey Silver White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver White | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver White | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers soils that do not dry out
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, by chip budding in summer or grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
If pruning is required, only make cuts in summer to protect against disease
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
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