Sorbus Schouten - Arnold Rowan

Sorbus x arnoldiana 'Schouten' is a variety of Rowan whose silhouette fits well in both urban gardens and more rural environments. It forms a small tree with a pyramidal habit and dark green foliage, composed of elegantly cut compound leaves. These provide a beautiful backdrop to the white spring flowering, which later develops into small decorative yellow-ochre berries. This quite hardy variety is very adaptable in terms of growing conditions, thriving in full sun and tolerating partial shade, but it is sensitive to both excessive dryness and stagnant moisture.

Rowan is a member of the large and important Rosaceae family, which encompasses around 5000 species of plants found in the countryside (bramble, herbaceous potentilla...), ornamental plants (Rhaphiolepis, Amelanchier, Sorbaria...) and a significant portion of temperate and Mediterranean fruit trees (Pear, Apricot...). The Sorbus genus includes more than a hundred species, which has led to the distinction of two main groups: the Rowans, with compound leaves, and the Whitebeams, with simple leaves.
'Schouten' is a variety that was identified in the Netherlands in the 1950s among a sowing of Sorbus discolor. It was later found to be related to Sorbus x arnoldiana, a hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of Sorbus aucuparia (the well-known Rowan) and Sorbus discolor, which originates from northern China where it can reach heights of up to 10 m. This hybrid was described in 1920 by the great botanist Alfred Rehder, who was for many years the curator at the Arnold arboretum in the United States. This small tree with medium growth and development will reach 4 m in height and 2 m in width within 10 years of planting, and after 20 years, approximately 7 m tall and 4 m wide. Continuing its growth at a much slower rate thereafter, it usually peaks at about 8 m in height. It forms a generally straight trunk, supporting a fairly regular conical to pyramidal crown, and does not require formative pruning. The branches bear odd-pinnate leaves, composed of an odd number of leaflets arranged oppositely in pairs, with the extra leaflet extending from the leaf rachis. Numbering from 9 to 17 (rarely up to 21), the leaflets measure 5 to 7 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide, with finely toothed edges. The large leaves have a very graceful appearance, somewhat reminiscent of certain ferns. They are of a medium to dark green, providing a sufficiently dark background to beautifully highlight the white flowering. Appearing in May, or even June, the umbels of small flowers measure over 10 cm in diameter and, while not exceptionally beautiful, enhance the overall appearance of the plant. After fertilisation, they produce small spherical berries of 1 cm in diameter, with a yellow-ochre colour. Less spectacular than varieties with red fruits, and also somewhat less fruitful, 'Schouten' is nonetheless of interest, as the less attractive berries for birds remain on the tree longer in winter. And like many other cultivars, this deciduous Rowan displays very attractive autumn colours, in shades of red to orange, to beautifully conclude the growing season.

Rowan 'Schouten' boasts a lovely silhouette and fruiting of an original colour. Very resistant to urban pollution, its moderate dimensions will make it easy to find a place for it in our small city gardens. If you appreciate decorative fruits, plant a Snowberry (Symphoricarpos) at its feet, whose natural appearance will harmonise perfectly with that of the Rowan. Opt for a variety with pink fruits to contrast with the berries of your Rowan. Diversify your range with Amelanchier alnifolia 'Smoky', a bush with a somewhat wild appearance, which will reward you with a superb white flowering earlier than your Rowan, and with fruits reminiscent of blueberries that you can enjoy. Moreover, its foliage takes on beautiful yellow or orange hues, which will harmonise wonderfully with the autumn attire of 'Schouten'. And to brighten up your summer, add to your bed Rosa californica 'Plena', a wonderful rose with a natural habit, which will offer you a splendid and abundant pink flowering in June and July!