Sorbus aucuparia Konzentra - Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia 'Konzentra' is a variety of rowan selected for its abundant and edible fruiting. It is a deciduous tree appreciated for its honey-producing white spring flowering, autumn colours, and beautiful clusters of red fruit, rich in vitamin C. These can be enjoyed fresh or prepared as jelly or jams. it is very hardy and accommodating regarding soil and climate.

The rowan is a tree reaching about fifteen metres that naturally grows in hedges, along paths, or at the edge of woods. Its natural distribution area is immense, covering a large part of Europe, Russia, temperate Asia, and extending as far as Japan. Its great hardiness and tolerance to many different natural conditions, whether in terms of soil or climate, explain this species' capacity for expansion. In the countryside, its berries serve as a pantry for wild birds. It is a member of the large family of Rosaceae.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Konzentra' is a horticultural variety, selected for its ornamental and fruiting qualities. The tree is characterised by an upright and flexible habit. Its growth is rapid, ranging from 20 to 40 cm per year. Eventually, it will reach between 9 and 12 m in height with a width of 4 to 6 m. The white flowers appear in May and June, arranged in large flattened panicles, attracting numerous pollinators such as bees and bumblebees. At the end of summer, the flowers transform into orange-red berries, ready to be harvested from late August to early October. The small to medium fruits contain moderately firm pulp with a tart flavour. They are particularly rich in vitamin C. The leaves of the rowan 'Konzentra' are pinnate and measure up to 15 centimetres long, dark green on top and grey-green underneath. In autumn, they take on various shades of yellow, orange, and red before falling. The bark is smooth and grey, becoming rougher with age. This very hardy tree withstands temperatures down to -34°C.

Rowan 'Konzentra' is suitable for medium-sized gardens and large grounds. It can be used as an isolated specimen or in a thicket or large informal hedge. It can be associated with Cornus alba (white dogwood), which has beautiful red stems in winter, Betula pendula 'Royal Frost' (verrucate birch) notable for its white bark, purple foliage, and elegant habit, Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) for its white flowers and red berries, and Acer campestre 'Carnival' (field maple) for its beautiful variegated foliage.

In summary, Sorbus aucuparia 'Konzentra' is an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add a touch of colour and biodiversity to their green space, while also benefiting from the robustness and nutritional qualities of its fruits.