Sorbus Olympic Flame 8-10cm Girth Pot Grown

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:

• In early spring, the tree bursts into life with fresh, coppery-red young leaves that mature into rich green as the season progresses.

• Clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring, attracting bees and pollinators and adding a soft contrast to the foliage.

Summer:

• Foliage remains lush and green, creating a refined, symmetrical canopy.

• By late summer, vibrant red berries begin to form, adding colour and wildlife interest to the tree.

Autumn:

• 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.

• The contrast between fiery leaves and lingering red berries is particularly eye-catching.

Winter:

• After leaf fall, the tree maintains visual interest with its upright branching structure and persistent berries (if not eaten by birds).

• Provides an elegant silhouette in the winter landscape.

Structure & Form

• 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.

• Form: Upright and compact with a rounded to oval crown, ideal for more confined spaces.

• Growth Habit: Medium growth rate, forming a well-shaped tree without extensive pruning.

Perfect for Various Landscapes

• Urban & Small Gardens: Its compact form and low maintenance needs make it ideal for city gardens, patios, and tighter spaces.

• Avenue Planting: Excellent as a street or driveway tree in formal rows or informal groupings.

• Wildlife Gardens: The flowers attract pollinators, while berries provide food for birds in late summer and autumn.

• Mixed Borders or Lawn Specimens: Makes a strong focal point when used as a standalone tree within borders or open lawns.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with the best autumn colour achieved in sunnier spots.

• Soil: Grows well in moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay and loam.

• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches if necessary.

• 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

• Underplanting: Combine with spring-flowering bulbs like Narcissus or Crocus for early-season colour beneath its canopy.

• Shrubs: Pair with evergreens like Taxus or Euonymus to maintain year-round structure.

• Perennials: Surround with late-summer perennials like Sedum, Echinacea, or Aster to complement the tree’s autumn tones.

• Companion Trees: Works beautifully with Acer palmatum, Amelanchier, or Malus for a multi-layered, seasonal tree garden.