How to Grow Sorbus Domestica - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Sorbus domestica is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to be 20-30 feet tall. The leaves of the sorbus domestica are long and narrow and the flowers are white or cream colored. The fruit of the sorbus domestica is a red or orange berry.

How to Grow Sorbus Domestica - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Domestic rowan
Common rowan
Mountain ash
European mountain ash
True mountain ash

Common Knowledge

Sorbus domestica is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family.
It is also known as the service tree, sorb tree, and European mountain-ash.
The tree is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
It grows to a height of 15-30 m.
The leaves are pinnate, with 9-17 leaflets.
The flowers are white or cream-colored, and borne in corymbs.
The fruit is a red or orange-red berry, about 8-10 mm in diameter.
The tree is cultivated for its fruit, which is used in pies, jams, and liqueurs.
The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and is used for making furniture and tool handles.
The tree is also grown as an ornamental plant.

Growing Steps

For sorbus domestica, first step is to find a location where the tree will receive full sun to partial sun.
Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the trees root ball.
Place the tree in the hole so that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
For the first year, water sorbus domestica weekly, applying enough water to soak the root zone.
Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Protect the tree from extreme weather conditions such as strong winds or excessive heat.
Harvest the fruit when it is ripe, typically in late summer or early fall.

Related plant:
Sorbus Aucuparia

Soil Condition

About soil condition, (Sorbus domestica) grow in a wide range of soil conditions from neutral to acidic. They prefer a moist, humus-rich soil but will tolerate any moist soil as long as it is not waterlogged.

Light condition

Like the other trees and plants, the mountain ash (Sorbus domestica) needs sunlight to grow. This tree is native to Europe and Asia and prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. The mountain ash can grow to be quite large, so it is important to give it enough space to spread out.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for the cultivation of sorbus domestica is very important. If the temperature is too low, the tree will not fruits. If the temperature is too high, the tree will lose its leaves. The optimum temperature for the cultivation of sorbus domestica is between 15-25 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. 60% is the perfect number for the Sorbus domestica. This plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity level is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant does best with moderate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil. Although it's possible to give too much nitrogen, which will result in foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of taking care of your sorbus domestica plant. It helps to ensure that the plant remains healthy and able to produce fruit. Pruning also helps to keep the plant from becoming too large and unmanageable. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Also, trim back any branches that are growing too close together. This will help to promote air circulation and prevent the plant from becoming too crowded.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Sorbus domestica is best done by hardwood cuttings taken from the previous year's growth. The cuttings should be 10-15cm in length and taken from healthy, disease-free branches. Cuttings should be taken from the upper half of the branch as this will contain more dormant buds. Cuttings should be taken in late winter before new growth begins. To take the cuttings, cut just below a bud at a 45-degree angle. Cuttings should be placed in a plastic bag with moist peat moss or sand and placed in a cool, dark place until ready to plant. Cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix in a sheltered location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and early summer when the days are longest and the weather is warmest. The plant does best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Soil should be moist but well-drained. Fertilize sorbus domestica in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. Some of the pests that attack this plant are codling moth, scale, and aphids. The common diseases are fireblight, scab, and powdery mildew.

Tips on Growing

Remember to give your sorbus domestica plant plenty of sunshine. It needs at least six hours of sun each day to produce fruit.
When planting, make sure to set the plant deeply into the ground. The roots of sorbus domestica need to be well-anchored.
Be sure to water your sorbus domestica plant regularly. It is a thirsty plant and will not produce fruit if it does not get enough water.
Fertilize your plant regularly with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Prune your plant annually to encourage new growth and fruit production.
Be on the lookout for pests and diseases. Aphids and spider mites are common pests of sorbus domestica.
Harvest the fruit when it is ripe. Sorbus domestica fruit is typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall.
Store the fruit in a cool, dry