Sorbus Asplenifolia

Sorbus Asplenifolia - Rowan tree

Why Buy Me?

• Autumn foliage
• Medium sized tree
• Flowering in Spring

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Performs best in full sun where flowering and berry production are most prolific. Tolerates some light shade but with reduced fruiting.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH but adapts to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Avoid waterlogged or very dry soils.

Exposure:
Well-suited to both sheltered and exposed sites. Hardy, tolerating cold, wind, and urban pollution. Excellent choice for coastal or upland areas.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Tolerates brief dry periods once established but performs best with regular moisture. Mulching helps retain soil moisture in dry conditions.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in autumn or early spring when soil is moist and workable. Choose a site with good air circulation and sunlight to reduce the risk of disease.

Spacing:
Allow 4–6 metres (13–20 feet) between trees. Typically grows to 8–12 metres (26–40 feet) tall with a spread of 4–6 metres (13–20 feet). Forms a graceful, upright crown.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during establishment. Mature trees need supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote health and fruiting.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late winter to early spring to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Minimal pruning needed otherwise.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in late spring (May), providing an early food source for pollinators. Delicate, deeply cut foliage emerges a soft green.

Summer:
Graceful, fern-like leaves provide a finely textured canopy. Light and airy, making it an excellent contrast with bolder-foliaged plants.

Autumn:
Spectacular orange, red, or yellow autumn foliage. Bright orange-red berries appear in clusters, often lasting well into winter and attracting birds.

Winter:
Berries persist through early winter. Bare branches offer a fine, open silhouette and structural elegance.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Berries are a valuable food source for birds such as blackbirds, thrushes, and waxwings. Also provides shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds.

Garden Use:
Ideal for small to medium gardens, wildlife-friendly plantings, mixed borders, or as a specimen tree. Suitable for cottage gardens, woodland edges, or naturalistic landscapes. Also used in urban and parkland settings for its beauty and resilience.

Companion Plants:
Underplant with spring bulbs (e.g. Narcissus, Scilla), woodland perennials like Brunnera, Epimedium, or low ferns. Pairs well with shrubs like Cornus, Amelanchier, or other Sorbus species.