Maintenance Landscaping Design

Sorbus aucuparia is a plant that can be found in many parts of the world. It is a member of the rose family and is considered a deciduous tree. The leaves of the tree are alternate and simple with toothed margins. The flowers are small and white and grow in clusters. The fruit is a red berry that is poisonous to humans but is eaten by birds.

Alternative name

• Rowan
  
• Mountain ash
  
• European mountain ash
  
• Red ash
  
• Common ash

Good to Know

• Sorbus aucuparia is a deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia.
  
• It grows to a height of 15-25 m (49-82 ft) and has a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm (24 in).
  
• The leaves are alternate, simple, and obovate, with a serrated margin. They are 6-12 cm (4-7 in) long and 3-6 cm (2-4 in) broad.
  
• The flowers are white, borne in corymbs of 20-40 flowers. They are pollinated by bees.
  
• The fruit is a red, orange, or yellow pome with a diameter of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in).
  
• Sorbus aucuparia is a foodplant for the larvae of several moths, such as the miniature elephant hawk-moth and the small eggar.
  
• The tree is also grown as an ornamental plant.
  
• Sorbus aucuparia is sometimes used in herbal medicine.
  
• The wood is hard and strong, and is used for various purposes, including fuel, fencing, and construction.
  
• Sorbus aucuparia is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as New Zealand.

Related plant:
Sorbus Domestica

Planting Process

1. For sorbus aucuparia, first step is to find a location that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
   
2. Clear the area of any debris and weeds.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
4. Mix in some compost or organic matter to the hole.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown is level with the soil surface.
   
6. Backfill the hole and water deeply.
   
7. Mulch around the base of the plant to help with moisture retention.
   
8. Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
9. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant.
   
10. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Sorbus Aria

The Soil

About soil condition, Sorbus aucuparia prefers a moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including both acidic and alkaline soils, but does not do well in waterlogged or overly dry soils. This tree is not particularly fussy about soil type, but it does best in deep, loamy soils. It also does well in clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, the European rowan needs sunlight to grow. It prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The amount of sunlight the tree gets will affect how well it grows and how much fruit it produces. If you want to grow a rowan tree that is bountiful with fruit, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is optimal for the growth of the sorbus aucuparia is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature range where the plant is able to photosynthesize the most and grow at its fastest rate. However, the sorbus aucuparia can also tolerate a wider range of temperatures, from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius. Outside of this temperature range, the plant's growth will be slowed down.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. The plant can tolerate lower humidity but not for long periods of time. If the humidity falls below 40% for more than a few days, the leaves will begin to drop.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant in question is needing more nitrogen, and this is especially the case with sorbus aucuparia. To give your tree the best chance at a good, full head of foliage, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. If you are using a granular fertilizer, mix it in well with the soil before planting. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, root and foliar feedings are necessary. Feed the roots every two weeks and the foliage every week.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your sorbus aucuparia healthy and looking its best. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Cut back any overgrown or wayward branches. Thin out the center of the plant to promote air circulation and light penetration.

The Propagation

Propagation Sorbus aucuparia can be propagated by rooting softwood cuttings or by layering in late spring to early summer. Cuttings should be taken from young, actively growing plants and should be 8-10 inches long. Layering can be done by bending a low-growing branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be left in place for one growing season before being cut away from the mother plant.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the day. The ago is the time between when the last leaves fall in autumn and when the first new leaves appear in spring. The plant grows best in full sun and moist well-drained soil, but can tolerate some shade and drought. The average plant height is 20–30 m (66–98 ft), but some specimens have been recorded up to 45 m (148 ft). The branches are pale brown, and the buds are brown or purple. The leaves are opposite, simple, and 15–25 cm (5.9–9.8 in) long and 7–12 cm (2.8–4.7 in) broad, with a 2.5–5 cm (0.98–1.97 in) petiole and a pinnate venation with 5–9 pairs of lateral veins. The leaves are green on both sides, with a paler undersides. The flowers are white, borne in corymbs of 15–30 blooms in late spring or early summer. The fruit is a glossy red or orange-red berry 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) diameter, ripening in late summer or autumn and containing 2–5 seeds.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, dieback, and powdery mildew. Canker is a disease that affects the tree's bark and can cause the bark to crack and fall off. Dieback is a disease that affects the tree's leaves and can cause them to turn brown and fall off. Powdery mildew is a disease that affects the tree's leaves and can cause them to turn white and fall off.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your sorbus aucuparia regularly, as it is a drought-tolerant plant.
  
• Place your plant in an area of full sun for best results.
  
• When first planting your sorbus aucuparia, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  
• Mix in some organic matter to the planting hole, such as compost or manure.
  
• After planting, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  
• Prune your sorbus aucuparia regularly to promote new growth and maintain its shape.
  
• Fertilize your plant twice a year, in spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Check the soil moisture levels frequently, as sorbus aucuparia is not tolerant of wet conditions.
  
• Enjoy the edible

Alternative Plants

• Sorbus ussuriensis
  
• Sorbus austriaca
  
• Sorbus hedlundii
  
• Sorbus intermedia
  
• Sorbus tianschanica
  
• Sorbus hupehensis
  
• Sorbus henryana
  
• Sorbus thibetica
  
• Sorbus rupicola
  
• Sorbus torminalis

Source:
European Mountainash (Sorbus aucuparia)-Hort Answers
Sorbus aucuparia - University of Florida
Imperiia: Sorbus aucuparia [Rowan or European Mountain Ash]