Sorbus alnifolia Red Bird

Sorbus alnifolia 'Red Bird' is a variety of Japanese Rowan or alder-leaved sorbus. It forms a small tree with an upright, columnar habit and a dense crown of ornamental leaves, similar to those of the Alder, deeply veined, oval, and green. They turn scarlet red in autumn. After a beautiful white flowering in spring, which is attractive to bees, it produces an abundance of small red-orange fruits that feed birds until winter. This delicate sorbus easily fits in smaller gardens.

Sorbus alnifolia, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is native to the Far East, China, and Korea. It forms a slender tree with a moderate growth of 8 to 10 metres in height and up to 20 metres in its natural environment. The bark is smooth and dark grey. The young branches are olive green and darken with age. The leaf buds are brown-red. The oval leaf closely resembles that of the alder. It has up to 15 prominent veins, and the leaf margin is doubly toothed. The upper side is matte green, and the lower side is light green and slightly hairy to smooth. In autumn, they display pink, orange, and red hues. The spring flowering occurs in corymbs of small white flowers. Following the flowering are round yellow fruits that slowly turn red. They go through different stages, which in autumn, present a highly decorative appearance. Cross-pollination is necessary for fruiting; therefore, it is advisable to plant multiple specimens next to each other. It grows in well-drained, moist to dry, acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soil, in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds. It is very hardy, down to -25°C. As it has deep roots, it should be kept away from paving and buildings.

Sorbus alnifolia 'Red Bird', with its narrow and upright growth, reaches approximately 6 metres in height and 3.5 metres in width in 20 years. It is an ornamental tree in all seasons, even in winter, when the grey, smooth bark and bare, dense branches are attractive.

The 'Red Bird' Japanese Rowan, although quite tall, remains narrow and is well-suited for small gardens. Its ornamental qualities make it suitable for solitary planting or as part of a grove of large shrubs. It is also ideal for informal hedges. It can be used in the background of flower beds, alone or mixed with other species with autumn foliage such as Prunus, hazelnuts, sweet gum, parrotia, or maples.