Sorbus scalaris

A rare species of rowan with glorious autumn colour native to parts of Sichuan province in China. Sorbus scalaris has delicate, frond-like, dark green leaves which turn shades of rich reddish-purple, gold and orange in autumn before falling.

Clusters of small white flowers in spring are followed by densely packed, bright orange-red berries in autumn. An excellent tree for small gardens!

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: May.
• Flower Colour: White
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Sorbus scalaris grows to be a small branching, rounded tree.
  • Height: 5 m (16 ft)
  • Spread: 4 m (13 ft)

• Notes: 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.