Sorbaronia Titan

The Sorbus 'Titan' is a hybrid mountain ash that can also be called x Sorbariona, as it is the result of cross-breeding between the mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia, and the Aronia melanocarpa. It forms a small tree with an upright habit and is highly vigorous. Its green deciduous foliage is beautifully cut. In autumn, it displays superb colours, ranging from golden yellow to bright red before falling. Its cream-white umbel-like flowering appears in spring. It is followed by an abundant fruiting in clusters of dark red edible berries. Very hardy, it is adaptable to different soils and climates.

As a member of the large Rosaceae family, there are dozens of species of mountain ash, with the Sorbus aucuparia being one of the most common. The Aronia melanocarpa is also a member of the same family, originating from Canada and the northeastern United States. It also produces fruit, with dark purple-black berries that are edible, slightly tart, and rich in antioxidants.

The 'Titan' hybrid mountain ash is a variety that grows relatively fast and has a compact size, reaching about 6m in height and 5m in width within ten years. The 14cm in diameter white umbel-like flowering appears around May-June and attracts bees. The flowers then give way to numerous clusters of highly decorative dark red fruits, about the size of mini-apples. Their flesh is yellow, juicy, sweet, and tart. They can be consumed fresh, as juice, or cooked into jam or jelly. Otherwise, they provide a food source for birds until the end of the year. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow to red depending on the conditions.
This mountain ash prefers to be planted in full sun but can tolerate partial shade for part of the day. It is not demanding in terms of soil and can thrive in poor soil. Similarly, it can adapt to both moist and dry soils without excess.

This 'Titan' hybrid mountain ash is suitable for small to medium-sized gardens, and can even be planted in larger spaces alongside larger trees. A variegated maple or a beautiful purple oak can serve as a contrasting background. In a smaller garden or mixed border, it can be associated with shrubs such as 'Golden Spirit' Smoke Bush, whose bright golden foliage will be highlighted by the grey-green of the mountain ash, or with shrubs with decorative berries of various colours for a cocktail of colours (Callicarpa, Snowberry...).