Sorbus 'Olympic Flame' – A Compact Ornamental Tree with Striking Autumn Colour and Year-Round Interest
Sorbus 'Olympic Flame', also known as the Olympic Flame Rowan, is a compact, deciduous ornamental tree admired for its elegant form, vibrant foliage, and brilliant seasonal displays. Particularly stunning in autumn, this small tree transforms into a fiery spectacle of red, orange, and gold. With its tidy stature, clusters of creamy spring flowers, and bright red berries in late summer, 'Olympic Flame' is a superb choice for smaller gardens, avenues, and urban settings.
The Heavy Standard (8–10 cm girth) form is ideal for creating instant impact in landscapes, offering a well-established structure and presence from day one.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
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In early spring, the tree bursts into life with fresh, coppery-red young leaves that mature into rich green as the season progresses.
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Clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring, attracting bees and pollinators and adding a soft contrast to the foliage.
Summer:
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Foliage remains lush and green, creating a refined, symmetrical canopy.
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By late summer, vibrant red berries begin to form, adding colour and wildlife interest to the tree.
Autumn:
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The star of the show: 'Olympic Flame' lives up to its name with a spectacular display of autumn colour, as foliage shifts to vivid hues of scarlet, crimson, and orange.
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The contrast between fiery leaves and lingering red berries is particularly eye-catching.
Winter:
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After leaf fall, the tree maintains visual interest with its upright branching structure and persistent berries (if not eaten by birds).
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Provides an elegant silhouette in the winter landscape.
Structure & Form
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Height & Spread: Reaches 5–7 meters tall with a spread of 3–5 meters at maturity—perfectly sized for small to medium gardens or along driveways and paths.
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Form: Upright and compact with a rounded to oval crown, ideal for more confined spaces.
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Growth Habit: Medium growth rate, forming a well-shaped tree without extensive pruning.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Urban & Small Gardens: Its compact form and low maintenance needs make it ideal for city gardens, patios, and tighter spaces.
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Avenue Planting: Excellent as a street or driveway tree in formal rows or informal groupings.
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Wildlife Gardens: The flowers attract pollinators, while berries provide food for birds in late summer and autumn.
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Mixed Borders or Lawn Specimens: Makes a strong focal point when used as a standalone tree within borders or open lawns.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with the best autumn colour achieved in sunnier spots.
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Soil: Grows well in moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay and loam.
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Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches if necessary.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
Why Choose Sorbus 'Olympic Flame'?
With its manageable size, fiery seasonal display, and wildlife-friendly features, Sorbus 'Olympic Flame' is one of the best ornamental trees for modern gardens. Its heavy standard form offers instant structure and maturity, while its multi-season interest makes it a standout feature throughout the year.
Whether planted as a standalone specimen or in groups for avenue planting, this variety brings beauty, biodiversity, and bold autumnal impact to any garden setting.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Underplanting: Combine with spring-flowering bulbs like Narcissus or Crocus for early-season colour beneath its canopy.
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Shrubs: Pair with evergreens like Taxus or Euonymus to maintain year-round structure.
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Perennials: Surround with late-summer perennials like Sedum, Echinacea, or Aster to complement the tree’s autumn tones.
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Companion Trees: Works beautifully with Acer palmatum, Amelanchier, or Malus for a multi-layered, seasonal tree garden.
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
