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Sunshine

Sorbus

'Sunshine' is a small compact rowan, very similar to the popular 'Joseph Rock', to which it is closely related. The main difference is the distinctly larger size of the fruitlets.

Clusters of white flowers appear in late May, followed by dense fruitlets which turn from white to golden yellow as autumn progresses.

Like 'Joseph Rock', this is one of the best rowans for autumn colour, with the leaves often attaining a flame red colour, which highlights the golden berries..

Sunshine rowan trees for sale

  • 11-year bare-root tree £44.50
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
  • 22-year pot-grown tree £71.95
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 6th January.

How to grow

For the best berry colours, plant in full sun.

Unusually for a rowan, 'Sunshine' has some tolerance of chalky soils.

History

'Sunshine' is a seedling of the well-known yellow-fruited variety 'Joseph Rock', raised at the Hillier Nursery. Unusually for a rowan, 'Joseph Rock' does not grow true from seed, so 'Sunshine' is a different variety but it inherits the compact proportions and bright yellow fruits of 'Joseph Rock'.

Sunshine characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive fruitAutumn foliage colour
  • Growth habitUpright
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • PruningLight prune
  • Growth rateAverage
  • Site conditionsCoastal siteOccasional floodingOccasional drought
  • WildlifeAttractive to birds
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flowering monthMayJune
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Red
  • Fruit colourYellow / Orange
  • Fruit persistencePersistent
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • Sorbus
    Joseph Rock
    A small rowan, with distinctive pale yellow fruitlets. Also one of the best for autumn colour.

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.