Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling' Tree

Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling' is an Upright Mountain Ash tree ideal for creating plenty of interest in small spaces. Fluffy, white corymbs of flowers appear in April-May that are popular with bees. Mid/dark green pinnate foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red in the autumn which complements the reddish orange berries that hang in heavy clusters and are a treat for the birds.

Growing more upright than other Mountain Ash varieties, 'Sheerwater Seedling' will reach 6 x 3 metres in 20 years. It is ideal for smaller gardens looking for a focal point with plenty of interest, but equally looks fantastic in an avenue or group.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling' is tough and will grow in most conditions including polluted and exposed areas. It prefers an acid soil but will grow well in others such as alkaline. A very versatile tree that is popular with wildlife.

AKA Upright mountain ash, Upright Rowan, Rowan Sheerwater Seedling

• Common name: Rowan 'Sheerwater Seedling'
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Height and spread in 20 years: 6 x 3 metres
• Flowers/fruit: Corymbs of flowers in spring, red-orange berries in autumn
• Foliage: Green pinnate foliage, turns orange-yellow for autumn interest
• Soil: Best in moist, well-drained sites in any soil type except chalky

Planting Advice for Sorbus aucuparia Sheerwater Seedling Trees

Our pot grown Upright Mountain Ash trees can be planted at any time of the year. Start by removing weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a square hole as deep as your root mass and approximately 2x as wide. To help the tree establish more effectively, sprinkle root grow in the hole.

Remove the pot, gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently. Avoid banking the soil up around the collar of the tree.

We recommend planting Upright Rowan trees with a stake and tie kit. For single stakes, insert the stake at an angle to avoid penetrating the rootmass and knock it in until it is firm. Water generously around the base.

Aftercare Advice for Sorbus aucuparia Sheerwater Seedling Trees

If you’re planting in spring or summer, water well for the first few months. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Irrigation kits make it easier.

Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons. If your area is prone to rabbits, use a rabbit guard.

Pruning Sorbus aucuparia Sheerwater Seedling Trees

Upright Mountain Ash trees require a strong framework to support their colourful orange-red berries, so it is good to encourage this by raising the crown in summer. Simply prune the lower branches and any crossing, damaged or diseased branches within the crown.

Hard pruning of Rowan trees can be carried out in the dormant season, from autumn to winter.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.