Rowan mountain ash
Rowan mountain ash
Rowan / Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
Bring blossom, berries and autumn colour to your garden with this native British tree. Rowan carries clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring, followed by orange-red berries that attract garden birds. Its finely divided green leaves turn shades of gold and red before falling in autumn.
Plant it where you can enjoy the changing canopy and watch birds visiting the berries. Its natural character suits wildlife gardens and informal planting schemes, but it is not a dwarf tree: allow room for its mature canopy and roots.
Key Features
- Creamy-white spring flowers visited by pollinating insects.
- Orange-red berries that provide food for birds.
- Deciduous foliage with seasonal autumn colour.
- Native British species suited to wildlife planting.
- Tolerates exposed positions and a range of well-drained soils.
Growing Conditions and Mature Size
Choose full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Rowan is well suited to many cooler, exposed or upland gardens and tolerates a range of soils, including acidic ground. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and do not allow newly planted trees to dry out. The existing listing gives a mature height of approximately 8–15 metres and spread of 4–7 metres, depending on conditions.
Planting and Care
Plant at the existing soil level, firm gently and water thoroughly. Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry spells, and mulch the root zone while keeping the trunk clear. Stake if needed and check ties regularly. Keep pruning light, removing damaged or crossing branches when dormant; check for active bird nests before any pruning.
Supplied Size
Supplied height, container size and root presentation are not specified in this listing. Please contact Stoneybrook Nursery for current stock details before ordering if these are important. Plants vary naturally in shape and branching and may arrive without leaves during dormancy. Flowers and berries on arrival are not guaranteed.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Low stock: 2 left
More details.
Planting Instructions
Plant Rowan / Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Allow room for its mature canopy and roots. Plant at the existing soil level, spread or position the roots without forcing them, backfill, firm gently and water thoroughly. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.
Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry spells. Mulch around the root zone without covering the trunk. Stake if needed and check ties regularly. Keep pruning light, removing damaged or crossing branches when dormant, and check for active bird nests before cutting. Confirm the supplied root presentation before planting so handling is appropriate.
Size & Specification
Rowan / Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia), a deciduous native British tree. Supplied height, container size, trunk girth and root presentation are not specified in this listing. Please confirm current stock details before ordering if precise dimensions or a particular supply form are required.
The existing listing gives an eventual height of approximately 8–15 metres and spread of 4–7 metres, depending on growing conditions. Rowan is not a dwarf tree. Individual plants vary naturally in shape, branching and autumn colour. Dormant stock may arrive without leaves, and flowering or berries on arrival are not guaranteed.
Delivery & Dispatch
Please contact Stoneybrook Nursery to confirm current supplied size and root presentation if these are important before ordering. Refer to our delivery information for current delivery areas, charges and dispatch arrangements, and contact us if delivery is required by a particular date.
Unpack promptly on arrival and check the roots or rootball moisture. Keep outdoors in a sheltered position and prevent roots from drying out until planting. Handle by the container or rootball where supplied, rather than lifting by the trunk or branches. If supplied bare-root, keep roots covered and moist and plant promptly. Deciduous stock may arrive without leaves during dormancy.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
Native Rowan provides flowers for visiting pollinating insects and berries eaten by birds, including thrushes and blackbirds. Its branching canopy can provide shelter and nesting opportunities as the tree develops. Berry production and the length of time fruit remains on the tree vary with conditions and bird activity.
Check for active bird nests before pruning and leave occupied branches undisturbed. Combine with other native and flowering plants for a broader season of wildlife interest. This listing is for an ornamental wildlife tree, not a ready-to-eat fruit crop.