Sorbus intermedia – The Elegant Swedish Rowan for Year-Round Interest
Sorbus intermedia, commonly known as the Swedish Rowan or Swedish Mountain Ash, is a stunning deciduous tree that adds seasonal color and texture to any landscape. Known for its graceful, upright form, this tree produces clusters of white flowers in spring, vibrant red berries in late summer, and striking autumn foliage in hues of gold and red. A hardy and adaptable species, Sorbus intermedia is perfect for wildlife gardens, urban spaces, or as a specimen tree in medium to large gardens.
Why Grow Sorbus intermedia?
-
Abundant Red Berries – The tree produces clusters of bright red berries in late summer and autumn, providing both visual interest and a valuable food source for birds and wildlife.
-
White Spring Flowers – In early spring, Sorbus intermedia is covered with delicate white flowers, adding a soft and fragrant display before the berries appear.
-
Vibrant Autumn Foliage – Leaves turn golden yellow and red in autumn, offering beautiful seasonal color that complements the red berries.
-
Wildlife Friendly – The berries are a rich food source for birds, making it an ideal addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Height of Plant
Sorbus intermedia typically grows to around 8–12 meters in height and 4–6 meters in width at maturity, making it a great choice for medium to large gardens, parkland, or naturalistic landscapes.
Where to Site Your Sorbus intermedia
This adaptable tree thrives in a variety of settings, including:
- Wildlife gardens, attracting birds and pollinators with its flowers and berries
- Urban gardens or city landscapes, where its upright form fits well in tighter spaces
- Naturalistic or woodland gardens, where it can blend seamlessly with other native plants
- Coastal gardens, as it is tolerant of various conditions, including salty winds
How to Grow and Care for Your Sorbus intermedia
-
Soil – Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay and loamy soils.
-
Light – Thrives in full sun to partial shade, which helps produce the best flowers, berries, and vibrant autumn color.
-
Watering – Keep the soil moderately moist, particularly during dry spells. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
-
Maintenance:
-
Pruning – Light pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
-
Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the root zone cool.
-
Pest & Disease Resistance – Sorbus intermedia is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally be susceptible to aphids or fungal diseases like leaf spot.
-
Cold Hardy – Hardy to about -30°C, making it suitable for colder climates and able to withstand harsh winter conditions.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Sorbus intermedia pairs beautifully with other deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials. Its white spring flowers contrast nicely with the fresh greens of early-season foliage, while the red berries create a bold visual against darker evergreen shrubs. In autumn, the vibrant colors of its leaves look stunning when paired with late-blooming flowers or other trees with complementary hues.
With its elegant form, seasonal displays, and wildlife benefits, Sorbus intermedia is an excellent choice for adding structure, color, and interest to any garden or landscape. Whether used as a specimen tree, in a wildlife-friendly garden, or in naturalistic plantings, it provides beauty and ecological value year-round.
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.
