Sorbus aucuparia Pendula - Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia 'Pendula' is a beautiful form of mountain ash with a weeping habit. It is a small tree usually grafted on a standard that bears a wide crown trailing down to the ground. Its foliage, flowering, and fruiting are identical to those of the classic mountain ash. As tolerant as its parent, this variety from the collection thrives in cool climates in any soil that is not too dry. It naturally establishes itself as a specimen or at the centre of a bed of low plants.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Pendula' is a horticultural selection. The wild mountain ash is a tree about fifteen metres high that grows spontaneously in hedges, along pathways, or at the edge of woodlands. Its natural distribution area is very vast, covering much of Europe, Russia, temperate Asia, and extending to Japan. Its great hardiness and tolerance to numerous conditions explain the species' capacity for expansion. Only warm and dry climates deter it. In our countryside, its berries feed wild birds. All mountain ashes belong to the rose family.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Pendula' is a variety primarily known to collectors. The plant grows much slower than the typical species, eventually forming a tree of 3 to 4 m in height with a crown spanning over 4 m. Its branches and twigs are arched. Its foliage consists of numerous leaflets (9 to 17, averaging 13), fine and elongated, with a toothed edge. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow, orange, or red before falling. The flowering in white corymbs of about 12 cm in diameter appears in May, and is visited by bees. After pollination, numerous clusters of reddish-orange, very decorative fruits form, measuring 1 cm in diameter. Birds feed on them until December. The root system of the mountain ash is shallow: this tree does not cope well with drought, and strong winds can uproot it. It is very hardy (down to -29°C).

Sorbus aucuparia 'Pendula', due to its slow growth and reduced dimensions, can be planted in all gardens. It can be used as a specimen or at the centre of a small varied bed. To accompany it and highlight its unique silhouette, plant ground-cover perennials such as ground ivy and spring bulbs at its base. For added interest, there are many other weeping trees and shrubs, with decorative flowers or foliage, that can be welcomed into the garden.