Sorbus 'Leonard Messel'
mountain ash 'Leonard Messel'
'Leonard Messel' is a small, ball-headed tree that should reach 3m tall in 10 years. Pinnate leaves, that show good autumn colour, are borne on upright branches. Pretty clusters of pink hanging fruit follow the white flowers in late spring and early summer. Winter buds are red
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Pink | |
| Autumn | Orange Red | Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers soils that do not dry out. Adaptable to many soil types, but shows best autumn colour on chalk. Grow in sun or light shade. Ideal tree for small gardens
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, by chip budding in summer or grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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
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.