Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling'

Common name: Sheerwater Seedling Rowan, Sheerwater Mountain Ash

Description: This exceptional rowan cultivar is prized for its narrow, upright habit and outstanding ornamental berries. The naturally columnar form makes it perfect for smaller gardens or tight spaces where a traditional rowan would be too wide. In late spring, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear, attracting beneficial pollinators. By late summer and autumn, the tree produces an abundant display of large, bright orange-red berries that persist well into winter, providing spectacular colour and valuable food for birds. The attractive pinnate foliage is composed of serrated leaflets that create fine texture throughout summer before turning warm shades of yellow and red in autumn. 'Sheerwater Seedling' has a more compact, fastigiate habit than the species whilst retaining excellent fruiting characteristics and disease resistance.

Other benefits: narrow upright habit saves space, prolific berry production, autumn foliage colour, spring flowers, excellent for wildlife, disease resistant, suitable for smaller gardens

Wildlife attraction: bees, pollinators (flowers), birds including thrushes and blackbirds (berries are particularly attractive), butterflies

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 5m x 2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best fruiting and autumn colour in full sun

Soil pH: adaptable; prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils but tolerates slightly alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate watering; prefers moist but well-drained soil; reasonably drought tolerant once established

Winter hardiness: exceptionally hardy to -30°C and below