Rowan Ornamental Tree (Sorbus Aucuparia 'Rowan')

Rowan Ornamental Tree Description

The Rowan, also known as the Mountain Ash, is a small to medium-sized ornamental tree cherished for its clusters of bright berries and delicate, feathery foliage. This deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 8–15 metres (26–49 feet), making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a feature tree in larger landscapes. Its vibrant red or orange berries in autumn, along with white spring flowers and attractive autumn foliage, give it year-round interest.

Rowan trees produce elegant, pinnate leaves composed of up to 15 small leaflets that create a light, airy canopy. In spring, clusters of small, creamy-white flowers appear, attracting pollinators and adding a pleasant fragrance to the garden. By autumn, these flowers develop into bright clusters of red, orange, or even yellow berries, which persist well into winter, providing striking colour and interest.

In autumn, the foliage turns shades of yellow, red, and purple, enhancing the visual appeal and extending the tree’s seasonal beauty. Rowan trees create a graceful, open form that complements various garden styles, from traditional to modern designs.

Pruning Advice

Rowan trees require minimal pruning, as they naturally form a pleasing shape. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This will help keep the canopy healthy and improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease.

For younger trees, a light formative prune in the first few years will encourage a well-shaped structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as this may reduce the flower and berry production in the following season. Thin out dense growth carefully to maintain the tree’s airy appearance and allow light to penetrate the canopy.

Further Information

Wildlife-Friendly: Rowan trees are highly beneficial for wildlife. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators in spring, while the berries provide a valuable food source for birds such as thrushes and blackbirds in the winter months.

Ornamental Value: The tree’s seasonal display of flowers, vibrant autumn berries, and colourful foliage makes it a versatile ornamental choice for gardens, adding beauty throughout the year.

Tolerant and Hardy: Rowan trees are resilient and can thrive in various conditions, including urban environments. They are tolerant of pollution, wind, and cold, making them suitable for many regions across the UK.

Compact Growth: With its relatively small size and manageable growth, it is ideal for small gardens, courtyard planting, or as a focal point in mixed borders.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.