Sorbus hupehensis - Chinese Mountain Ash

Chinese Mountain Ash / Chinese Rowan, Hupeh Rowan

Another lovely Rowan species, Sorbus hupehensis can be distinguished easily by its leaves. These have the typical pinnate form of any Rowan but each opposing leaflet is oval, rather than pointed, has small serrations on the end and is deep green with a slightly blue tone. Abundant corymbs of simple, small white flowers appear in June and are made more vivid when viewed from a distance by their background of dark leaves. While it is pretty during summer, Chinese Mountain Ash's moment of glory comes in autumn, when the leaves drop their sombre disguise and burst into lucid red flames. By that time, the little flowers have matured into white berries that are often washed with a splash of pale pink. The fruit only become tasty to birds after they have been chilled a few times by frost, which means that they will stick around long after all the leaves have fallen - the bare tree, hung with delicate bunches of rosy pearls is a beautiful and somehow exotic sight.

This tree has won a couple of awards from the RHS, including one for outstanding excellence on display - we would bet that the prize was given during autumn. Unlike the berries of other types of mountain ash, these berries aren't good for humans to eat - something that hungry birds in winter are sure to be grateful for. We have the adventurous Ernest "Chinese" Wilson to thank for bringing this Rowan (along with so many other plants) to Britain at the turn of the last century. In this case, he found it in Hubei province (spelt Hupeh in his day) in central China. Although Chinese Rowan is vigorous and upright, growing into an open column shape, it won't grow much higher than 10 metres, 35 feet.

Planting Sorbus hupehensis:

Sorbus hupehensis is fully hardy and tolerant of extremely acidic soil. It doesn't fare well on chalk, however, and will sulk if planted in the shade, refusing to produce more than a few flowers and fruit. This tree is also drought sensitive and we recommend helping it out by applying a thick layer of mulch around it in mid to late spring, after a few days of rain have fallen and the ground is wet. Keep an eye on it during a hot summer.

If you are unclear about the way standard trees are sized, take a look at our Guide to Standard Tree Sizing or you can go back to our main standard trees page.