Sorbus wilsoniana (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 8m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Rosaceae
Sorbus wilsoniana is a deciduous small tree or large shrub with a rounded, bushy habit. Its dark green leaves are odd pinnate with up to 11 leaflets and up to 25cm long. Its leaflets are lanceolate with serrate margins, up to 8cm long and 25mm broad. Its smooth bark is grey/ brown with lenticels. Its white flowers are up to 7mm across and are produced terminal corymbs which are up to 20cm across. Its red fruit is a pome, up to 8mm across and mature in autumn and may remain on the tree during the winter months.
Sorbus wilsoniana Berries (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Sorbus wilsoniana, commonly known as the Chinese Rowan, is native to central and south China. In its native habitat it grows in mountainous mixed woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Sorbus is from the old Latin name for Sorbus domestica (Service Tree). Wilsoniana is named after Ernest Wilson (1876 – 1930), an English plant collector.
The landscape architect may find Sorbus wilsoniana useful as a small attractive tree with attractive summer flowers and autumn to winter berries.
Ecologically, Sorbus wilsoniana flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to many bird species.
Sorbus wilsoniana Leaf (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Sorbus wilsoniana prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Sorbus wilsoniana requires little maintenance. Any pruning should be carried out in late autumn to winter.
