Sorbus 'Olympic Flame' – Heavy Standard 10/12 cm Girth
A Small Ornamental Tree with Fiery Autumn Foliage and Year-Round Appeal
Sorbus 'Olympic Flame', also known as the Olympic Flame Rowan, is a striking, compact ornamental tree celebrated for its spectacular autumn colour, creamy spring blossoms, and clusters of bright red berries. Supplied as a Heavy Standard with a 10/12 cm girth, this specimen-grade tree provides instant structure, impact, and maturity in both private gardens and public landscaping schemes.
Ideal for smaller gardens, avenues, and urban plantings, 'Olympic Flame' brings beauty across all seasons and supports local wildlife with pollinator-friendly flowers and bird-attracting berries.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
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Coppery-red young leaves emerge in early spring, adding a warm flush of colour.
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Clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring, attracting bees and pollinators.
Summer:
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Mature foliage becomes a rich green, offering a clean, structured canopy.
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Bright red berries begin to form by late summer, adding visual appeal and providing food for birds.
Autumn:
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The highlight of the year: foliage turns into a spectacular blaze of scarlet, orange, and gold, giving the tree its ‘Olympic Flame’ name.
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The red berries stand out dramatically against the autumn foliage, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.
Winter:
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After the leaves fall, the tree’s upright form and branching structure remain visually appealing.
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Persistent berries may remain into early winter, especially if not eaten by birds, adding further seasonal interest.
Structure & Form
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Size (at maturity): 5–7 meters tall × 3–5 meters wide – ideal for small gardens or avenue planting.
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Girth Size: 10/12 cm Heavy Standard – offering a well-established tree with an immediate presence.
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Form: Upright habit with a neat, rounded crown that maintains its shape with little pruning.
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Growth Rate: Moderate, with excellent natural form and low maintenance needs.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Urban & Courtyard Gardens: Compact enough for city gardens or tight spaces, while still delivering high visual impact.
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Avenue or Street Planting: Ideal for lining driveways, pathways, or public greenspaces.
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Wildlife Gardens: Flowers attract bees; berries feed birds in late summer and autumn.
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Feature Tree: A brilliant specimen for lawns, borders, or front gardens where seasonal colour is desired.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers full sun for best autumn colour, but also thrives in partial shade.
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Soil: Grows in a wide range of soils – ideally moist, well-drained, and neutral to slightly acidic.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.
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Care: Low maintenance. Light formative pruning in winter if needed. Drought-tolerant once established.
Why Choose Sorbus 'Olympic Flame' (10/12 cm Girth)?
This 10/12 cm heavy standard version of Sorbus 'Olympic Flame' offers a mature, landscape-ready tree with immediate height, form, and ornamental value. With standout autumn colour, seasonal wildlife benefits, and a naturally compact habit, it's a top pick for designers, gardeners, and landscapers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance tree that performs year-round.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Spring Bulbs: Underplant with Narcissus or Tulipa for layered seasonal interest.
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Evergreens: Combine with Buxus, Taxus, or Ilex to maintain structure in winter.
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Perennials: Surround with Rudbeckia, Echinacea, or Salvia for complementary late-season colour.
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Other Trees: Pairs beautifully with Amelanchier, Malus, or Acer palmatum for a multi-season, multi-texture tree canopy.
