Rowan, Mountain Ash

Description

Sorbus aucuparia

Rowans, are attractive, deciduous, ornamental trees, suitable for small to average-sized gardens. They look fabulous in spring, covered in their flowers, and again in autumn when their fruit and autumn foliage provide more interest and colour.

Rowans will grow in open, sunny sites or partial shade. They prefer a fertile, well-drained soil enriched with lots of organic matter, which holds plenty of moisture in spring and summer, doesn’t dry out or become waterlogged. Rowans will grow in just about all soil types. Mature trees can grow to 15m in height and can live for up to 200 years.

Rowans are low-maintenance trees, needing little care and attention once established. Watering is needed in prolonged dry periods in summer – particularly in the first few years. Feed with a general granular plant food in spring. Rowans are suitable for flower borders and beds, focal point, city and courtyard gardens, natural and wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens.

The rowan is also prominent in Norse mythology as the tree from which the first woman was made, (the first man being made from the ash tree). Legend says it saved the life of the god Thor by bending over a fast-flowing river in the Underworld in which he was being swept away.