Sorbus vilmorinii

This interesting rowan species bears clusters of bright pink fruitlets, which turn progressively whiter as winter approaches, and persist on the tree after the leaves have fallen.

The fruitlets can also be used for making rowan jelly.

The leaves are particularly fern-like in appearance, and turn bronze in the autumn.

The tree remains small, and is more spreading than the native English rowan, and may develop multiple stems over time.

Sorbus vilmorinii rowan trees for sale

• 11-year bare-root tree £44.50
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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• 22-year pot-grown tree £69.95
  In a 12L pot
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

  Out of stock
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How to grow

This species of rowan does best in areas with cool damp summers, and it does not tolerate drought.

History

It is thought the species Sorbus vilmorinii was introduced from China by the Vilmorin nursery, based near Paris.

Sorbus vilmorinii characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive fruitAutumn foliage colour
• Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
• Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
• PruningDo not prune
• Growth rateAverage
• Site conditionsSheltered siteFree-draining site
• WildlifeAttractive to birds
• Flower colourWhite
• Flowering monthMay
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnBronze / Purple
• Fruit colourPinkWhite
• Fruit persistencePersistent
• Country of originChina
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• 
  Sorbus pseudovilmorinii
  Sorbus pseudovilmorinii
  Similar characteristics to Sorbus vilmorinii, not quite as vigorous, but heavier fruiting.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.

How to choose a Rowan or Whitebeam tree

We list more than 50 Sorbus (rowan and whitebeam) trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different berry and leaf colours might help narrow down the selection.