Sorbus cashmiriana

The Sorbus cashmiriana, also known as the Kashmir Rowan or Kashmir Whitebeam, is a small bush with a light habit, awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society, whose ornamental white berries remain until winter. They are preceded in spring by a flowering with pink buds that open into small pale pink to white flowers. Its foliage turns a golden orange colour in autumn and falls early. This rowan is a tolerant and versatile bush. 

Kashmir Rowan belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the western Himalayas. It will rarely reach 10 m (33ft) in height and 8 m (26ft) in width, with an average growth rate. It has an open and upright habit and is still not widely used here. The flowering occurs in May through pink buds opening into small pale pink or white flowers arranged in pendulous corymbs. It is followed from August to November by sweet white berries measuring 1.5 cm in diameter, which are ignored by birds and remain until winter. The leaves, measuring 15 to 23 cm (6 to 9in) in length, are composed of 17 to 19 elliptical leaflets, bright green on the upper side and greyish-green on the lower side. They turn yellow-orange in autumn and fall as early as October. The bare branches of shiny brown bark beautifully showcase the creamy white berries in winter.

Plant Sorbus cashmiriana in any soil, from moist to moderately dry, acidic, neutral to slightly alkaline, but well-drained. It prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. This small bush has no specific requirements, but it may be less cold-hardy than other rowans; avoid planting it in exposed areas to cold winds and frost pockets. Its roots need air: if planted in heavy and wet soil, they will remain shallow, increasing the risk of uprooting by strong winds. If necessary, perform maintenance pruning before the start of new growth, removing diseased or dead wood and crossing branches.

Kashmir Rowan is a bush for informal hedges, woodlands, or alignments. Its modest size allows it to be accommodated in small or large gardens. It can be incorporated into a country hedge, accompanied by tall bushes such as Hippophae rhamnoides, Cotoneaster 'Cornubia', Euonymus myrianthus, or Parrotia persica, and of course, the flamboyant cypresses in autumn.

Sorbus means "to drink" in Latin, alluding to the fruits of the typical species, which are very astringent and make one thirsty.