Whitebeam trees are a wonderful rewarding tree and a favourite with humans and birds alike. A self-fertile deciduous broadleaf with a compact domed shape and a smooth grey bark as it ages. Whitebeam leaves are green and serrated with soft white furry underneath giving the tree its name. Sorbus aria has clusters of lovely white flowers that appear in May with the leaves turning to russet in autumn and bright scarlet berries which ripen in late summer or early autumn.

Sorbus Whitebeams are tolerant of pollution, whitebeam can be planted in most positions in town and country in exposed or sheltered positions. Whitebeam trees can manage frost pockets and windy hilly areas. Liking moist-well drained fertile soil, chalk, clay, loam and sand in sunny or semi-shade position. Ph Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Cultivation: All aspects, in town, cottage or country
Soil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist well-drained soil Tolerates pollution & dry conditions
Aspect: Exposed, sheltered, frost pockets, cliff & hilly areas
Foliage: Deciduous. Oval serrated green, fluffy white underneath
Flowering: White flowers in May
Fruiting: Red berries in autumn
Habit: Compact upright, bushy
Growth: Fairly vigorous
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Benefits to Wildlife: Birds bees and other wildlife
Height & Spread in maturity: 12- 15m x 6-8m

Bit of history: We have here, a little bit of interest: The Bristol Whitebeam is one of the rarest trees in Britain, found only on cliffs in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else in the world. Amazing…..