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Sorbus decora (Showy mountain ash)
1 hour care
per year
per year
8m
Max height
Max height
5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Sorbus decora
Other names
Showy mountain ash, Showy mountain-ash, Northern mountain ash
Genus
Sorbus Sorbus
Species
S. decora - S. decora is an upright, deciduous shrub or small tree with pinnate leaves divided into thirteen to seventeen, elliptic to narrowly ovate, dark blue-green leaflets turning yellow in autumn. Corymbs of fluffy, creamy-white flowers in late spring are followed by spherical, bright red fruit.
Sorbus decora is: Deciduous
Habit
Compact, Spreading
Toxicity
Fruit may cause stomach upset.
Flower
Cream, White in Spring
Foliage
Blue-green in Spring; Blue-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Blister mite , Sawflies Aphids , Blister mite , Sawflies
Apple and pear canker , Fireblight Apple and pear canker , Fireblight
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation methods
Budding, Grafting, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Sorbus decora (Showy mountain ash) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moderately fertile, neutral to acid soil. Drought and pollution tolerant. Tolerates partial shade but fruiting is best if sited in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Sorbus decora
Other names
Showy mountain ash, Showy mountain-ash, Northern mountain ash
Genus
Sorbus Sorbus
Species
S. decora - S. decora is an upright, deciduous shrub or small tree with pinnate leaves divided into thirteen to seventeen, elliptic to narrowly ovate, dark blue-green leaflets turning yellow in autumn. Corymbs of fluffy, creamy-white flowers in late spring are followed by spherical, bright red fruit.
Native to
Eastern Canada, Greenland, Northeastern United States
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Compact, Spreading
Toxicity
Fruit may cause stomach upset.
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Colour
Flower
Cream, White in Spring
Foliage
Blue-green in Spring; Blue-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Blister mite , Sawflies
Specific diseases
Apple and pear canker , Fireblight
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation methods
Budding, Grafting, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Sorbus decora (Showy mountain ash) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moderately fertile, neutral to acid soil. Drought and pollution tolerant. Tolerates partial shade but fruiting is best if sited in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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