Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia).
This plant has several common names including: rowan, mountain ash, quickbeam, European mountain ash, ranty, rantry, roan or rowanberry.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: rowan, mountain ash, quickbeam, European mountain ash, ranty, rantry, roan, rowanberry
Scientific name: Sorbus aucuparia
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – Stephen James McWilliam, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Other types of Sorbus to consider:
See all Sorbus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Sorbus aucuparia likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – Giallopolenta, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
