Sorbus Joseph Rock (Mountain Ash)

An ideal specimen tree for small gardens, Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ (Mountain Ash) is a pretty, upright, deciduous tree with a long season of interest. In late spring it produces charming clusters of white flowers, 4 in. (10 cm), which are quickly followed by abundant clusters of vibrant, butter-yellow fruits. The elegant foliage of blue-green, pinnate leaves is divided into up to 21 leaflets and casts light shade in the summer months. It turns glowing shades of orange, purple, and red in the fall, before falling to the ground

An ideal specimen tree for small gardens, Sorbus 'Joseph Rock' (Mountain Ash) is a pretty, upright, deciduous tree with a long season of interest. In late spring it produces charming clusters of white flowers, 4 in. (10 cm), which are quickly followed by abundant clusters of vibrant, butter-yellow fruits. The elegant foliage of blue-green, pinnate leaves is divided into up to 21 leaflets and casts light shade in the summer months. It turns glowing shades of orange, purple, and red in the fall, before falling to the ground, revealing the pale plum-hued bark and striking silhouette of the plant. Highly ornamental, elegant in flower, and colorful in fruit, Sorbus 'Joseph Rock' stars in almost every season of the year.

  • Grows upright at first and broadens with age. Can reach 15-30 ft. in height (4-9 m) and 6-20 ft. in spread (2-6 m).
  • This tree is easily grown in full sun or light shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil, well-drained soils. Once established, it only needs occasional watering during dry weather. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, in city gardens or cottage gardens. Perfect for small gardens!
  • No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, chip budding in summer or grafting in winter.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 8

Heat Zones 7
– 8

Climate Zones 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Sorbus – Mountain Ash
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 15'
– 30'
(4.5m
– 9m)
Spread 6'
– 20'
(180cm
– 6m)
Spacing 240″ (600cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden