Sorbus splendens
A deciduous tree, to around 10m high, with glossy, dark green leaves divided into four pairs of oval to oblong-shaped leaflets, serrated at the tips. Leaves emerge from long, sticky dark red buds in spring, and turn shades of orange and red in autumn. Large, flattened clusters of small white flowers are produced in spring, followed by small, dark red berries
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Orange Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, 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
- China (Yunnan)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in sun or light dappled shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
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.