Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam)

Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) is a medium-sized deciduous tree adorned with a broad, dense canopy of broadly oval, deeply-lobed, dark green leaves covered with gray hairs on the underside, giving the tree a silvery appearance. In late spring, a profusion of tiny white flowers held in flat-topped clusters are produced. They are quickly followed by abundant clusters of showy, bright red berries in late summer. The berries provide a welcomed feast for various types of weary, migrating birds and seldom last very long. It is often planted along streets in urban areas as a result of its tolerance to air pollution and ornamental value. It is also particularly suitable for exposed and coastal sites. Attractive in form, elegant in flower, colorful in fruit and foliage, Sorbus intermedia stars in almost every season of the year.

• Grows up to 30-40 ft. tall and wide (9-12 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this tree is easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or budding in summer or grafting in winter. Propagate by seed sown outdoors in autumn.
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, blister mites, apple canker and fireblight.
• Native to north Western Europe.