Sorbus aucuparia Pendula Variegata

Sorbus aucuparia Pendula Variegata is a variety of rowan tree with slow growth and weeping habit. It is a small tree that over time forms a wide crown, wider than its height. Its compound foliage is characteristic of the botanical species in terms of its very delicate design, however, it displays a unique yellow variegation that enhances its ornamental interest. It is very hardy and adapts to most soils, except those that are too chalky or dry, and prefers to grow in the sun while tolerating partial shade. A very rare plant although easy to cultivate.

The rowan tree, in Latin Sorbus aucuparia, is a tree that reaches about fifteen metres in height and in the countryside grows in hedges, along paths or at the edge of woods. Its natural distribution range is immense, covering a large part of Europe, Russia and temperate Asia up to Japan. Its great hardiness and tolerance to various natural conditions, whether in terms of soil or climate, explain the species' ability to spread. Its berries serve as a pantry for wild birds. A member of the large Rosaceae family, there are dozens of species.
'Pendula Variegata' is an extremely rare variety in cultivation, mostly known to collectors. It grows much slower than the species, eventually forming a compact tree about 3 or 4 metres tall and 1 metre wider. Its growth is so slow that the crown generally only progresses about fifty centimetres in 10 years. Considering that its average lifespan is approximately fifty years, it is therefore a variety intended for enthusiasts.
Although patience is required to admire it in its full development, with its crown billowing under the effect of irregularly arched branches, young specimens already present an ornamental interest. Its odd-pinnate foliage is composed of quite numerous leaflets (9 to 17, on average 13), thin and elongated, with a toothed margin. The very delicate, green leaves are strongly margined with yellow. This variegation is uneven, some leaves are just speckled with yellow, while others are mostly yellow, with the green colour sometimes only persisting in the veins. This is also why its growth is so slow, as the green chlorophyll surface is considerably reduced compared to the original species... The flowering in white corymbs of about 12 cm in diameter appears in May and attracts bees. The flowers are followed by numerous clusters of red to orangish fruits, approximately 1 cm in diameter and very decorative, which delight the birds that feed on them until the end of the year. Flowering and fruiting are comparable to the botanical species, although less abundant.
This rowan tree is best planted in the sun, but it tolerates partial shade for part of the day. It is not demanding in terms of soil, even accepting very acidic, neutral, or moderately chalky soils. It prefers a certain moisture, it can tolerate drier soils but long periods of drought can cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown. Very hardy (down to -29°C), it can be planted anywhere except in coastal areas, as it has no tolerance to salt. Windy locations that could damage its crown should also be avoided.

Sorbus aucuparia Pendula Variegata combines decorative foliage, flowering, and fruiting, as well as a very architectural habit. Its small size allows it to fit in any garden, preferably as a standalone specimen to highlight its assets, or within a small mixed bed. Low-growing plants should be chosen to match its reduced dimensions and slow growth rate. Physocarpus opulifolius Black Light, a shrub with almost black dark purple foliage, will be a perfect companion. With its slow growth, this shrub, about 1.50 m in all directions, produces a contrasting white flowering on the dark foliage in June-July, taking over from the Rowan's flowering. Viburnum tinus Gwenllian is a variety of Laurustinus with comparable dimensions, whose glossy dark green evergreen foliage is ornamental all year round, and whose late winter flowering is particularly decorative, when the red buds formed in winter open into a myriad of small white flowers. In addition to leaves, flowers, and fruits, decorative barks should not be forgotten, such as that of Cornus sanguinea Magic Flame, a Dogwood with yellow, red, and orange wood, particularly attractive in winter. Its green-yellow foliage in summer turns bright orange in autumn.