Lutescens

Lutescens is an excellent example of the Whitebeams, closely related to the Rowans but characterised by their more regularly shaped (non-pinnate) grey-green leaves.

The young branches also usually have white hairs, and the light undersides of the leaves add to the white effect.

Lutescens produces small white flowers in late spring followed by orange-red berries in autumn when the leaves also take on russet / gold hues. The berries are very popular with birds.

Lutescens whitebeam trees for sale

• 11-year bare-root tree £44.50
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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• 22-year pot-grown tree £71.95
  In a 12L pot
  Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  

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Order now for delivery from week commencing 6th January.

How to grow

Lutescens is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, and is a particularly good choice if you have chalk / alkaline soil.

History

Lutescens has been popular for more than a century, and is widely planted as a street tree.

The species Sorbus aria is native to large parts of southern England - particularly the chalk downs - as well as western and central Europe.

Lutescens characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive fruitAttractive foliage
• Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
• Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
• PruningLight prune
• Growth rateAverage
• WildlifeAttractive to birdsRHS Plants for Pollinators
• Flower colourWhite
• Flowering monthMay
• Leaf colourGrey-green
• Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Gold
• Fruit colourOrange / Red
• Fruit persistenceNormal ripening
• Country of originUnited Kingdom
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• Sorbus aucuparia
  Asplenifolia
  The Cut-leaf Rowan, an excellent form of the native Mountain Ash, orange-red berries, and highly feathered leaves.
• Sorbus aucuparia
  Common Rowan
  The Rowan or Mountain Ash, native to most parts of the UK. The leaves turn golden red in autumn, accompanied by clusters of red berries. One of the largest species of Sorbus.
• Sorbus aucuparia
  Glendoick Spire
  A small compact rowan with an upright form, notable for its bright pink fruitlets and feathered leaves.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.

How to choose a Rowan or Whitebeam tree

We list more than 50 Sorbus (rowan and whitebeam) trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different berry and leaf colours might help narrow down the selection.