Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The mountain ash or rowan, Sorbus aucuparia, is a native European tree, especially in high altitudes where its robust hardiness ensures its survival. Once credited with magical powers and often planted near dwellings as an insurance against misfortune, it's now widely planted in gardens, both as the species and in its many varieties.
Sorbus aucuparia tolerates a wide range of soils and sites, regularly producing huge crops of bright red berries in dense pendent bunches, which attract birds of all kinds. It succeeds particularly well in urban gardens, and also when planted closely as a screen or informal large hedge.
Grow Sorbus aucuparia in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly in the first two years to help it become established, and stake it to prevent root-rock.
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Advice on buying Sorbus aucuparia
Make sure you have enough space to grow your rowan – it can reach ultimately reach 15m x 7m
Sorbus aucuparia is available in garden centres but you'll find a wider range online or in specialist nurseries
Look out for bare-root trees, on sale in winter – these are much cheaper than pot-grown trees
Sorbus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies/moths. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.
