Sorbus vilmorinii

A handsome and somewhat unusual tree native to China, Sorbus vilmorinii has apple green, fern-like leaves which turn red and purple in autumn before falling.

Creamy white flowers in early summer are followed by masses of rose-red berries in autumn which change to white, flushed with pink as winter progresses. The photos shows the early autumn colour, just before the berries turn white!

A splendid, low maintenance tree which is especially suited to smaller gardens.

• Position: Full sun or dappled shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: April - May.
• Flower Colour: White
• Rate of Growth: Moderate to vigorous.
• Habit: Sorbus vilmorinii grows to be a small branching tree with elegant, arching branches.
  • Height: up to 6 m (20 ft)
  • Spread: 5 m (16 ft)

• Important Please Read - Sorbus (Rowan / Mountain Ash) species and cultivars are not and cannot be affected by the Ash disease, Chalara fraxinea.  Despite the potentially confusing name, mountain ashes are actually in the rose family, Rosacaea, and are closely related to apples and pears etc. Fraxinus excelsior (Common ash), are in the olive family, Oleaceae and the wind born disease recently found in the UK is completely specific to this genus.