Sorbus aria Lutescens (Whitebeam)

Luminous, Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' (Whitebeam) is a medium-sized deciduous tree of oval to broad-pyramidal habit with ravishing foliage of broadly elliptic leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), that emerge silvery in spring since densely covered in very short white hairs. The leaves remain gray-green throughout the summer, with bright white undersides and their effect is beautiful, especially on windy days when they are buffeted about. They turn yellow to russet in the fall. In late spring, a profusion of tiny white flowers held in flat-topped clusters are produced. They are quickly followed by abundant clusters of showy, bright orange-red berries that last well into winter. Attractive in form, elegant in flower, and colorful in fruit and foliage, Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' stars in almost every season of the year.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 25-30 ft. in height (8-9 m) and 20-25 ft. in spread (6-8 m).
• This tree is easily grown in full sun to part shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, chip budding in summer or grafting in winter.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, blister beetles, scale insects, sawflies, silver leaf, honey fungus, fireblight.