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Sheerwater Seedling

Sorbus aucuparia
Sheerwater Seedling has received the RHS Award of Garden MeritSheerwater Seedling is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

Sheerwater Seedling is a compact form of the Common Rowan or Mountain Ash, and a useful choice if you want the classic scarlet red berries in a small space.

Sheerwater Seedling is not only a bit smaller than the Common Rowan, but its branches are held quite tightly to the main stem, giving it a columnar appearance, although the form relaxes considerably as the trees gets older.

Despite its more compact dimensions, Sheerwater Seedling flowers with great profusion in late spring, and unusually for a rowan tree the flowers are slighly scented.

By early summer the branches are weighed down by the weight of huge clusters of orange-red berries.

In autumn the leaves yellow and orange.

Sheerwater Seedling rowan trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £71.95
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

History

Sheerwater Seedling is named after the river Sheerwater, where the original tree was found growing. 

Sheerwater Seedling characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive fruitAutumn foliage colourScented flowers
  • Growth habitUprightUpright-spreading / Vase
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • Growth rateFast
  • WildlifeAttractive to birdsRHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering monthMay
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnOrange / GoldYellow
  • Fruit colourRed
  • Fruit persistencePersistent
  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • See also Autumn Spire
    Sorbus aucuparia
    Autumn Spire
    Autumn Spire (Flanrock) is a columnar rowan with yellow fruitlets and excellent autumn colour.
  • See also Common Rowan
    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.

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.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.