Sorbus wardii
Tibetan whitebeam ( syn. Sorbus thibetica )
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but freely draining soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
A rare and hardy ornamental tree offering year-round interest for neutral to acid soils. In spring, its young leaves are silvery-grey and downy, maturing to a vibrant green with sparsely hairy undersides. Clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom, attracting wildlife to the garden. As summer turns to autumn, the tree bears amber-orange fruits, speckled with greyish-brown, providing a vital food source for birds. With its compact, upright growth, Sorbus wardii is an ideal choice for smaller gardens.
Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.
- Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten