Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata' – A Columnar Rowan with Year-Round Appeal
Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the Fastigiata Rowan or Mountain Ash, is a stunning, upright variety of the native Rowan tree. Known for its narrow, columnar form, bright berries, and vibrant autumn foliage, this tree offers year-round beauty, making it a great choice for urban landscapes, small gardens, and avenues. Its striking vertical growth and seasonal colour changes ensure that it stands out in any landscape.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In spring, Sorbus 'Fastigiata' produces clusters of small, white flowers, which appear in May or June. These blossoms form a frothy display that attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding early-season interest to the garden.
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Summer: As the flowers fade, the tree begins to produce small, bright red-orange berries that persist throughout the summer. These berries not only add to the tree’s visual appeal but also provide food for birds and wildlife.
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Autumn: The real highlight of this tree comes in autumn when its fern-like leaves turn a stunning golden-yellow to orange before falling. The bright red berries remain throughout the autumn months, providing a striking contrast against the golden foliage. This combination makes it a standout in the landscape.
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Winter: In winter, the tree’s bare branches reveal its elegant, columnar structure. The remaining red berries attract birds, while the clean lines of the tree’s upright form add architectural interest to the winter garden.
Structure & Form
Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata' is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a compact, upright, and columnar habit, typically reaching a height of 6–8m (20–26ft) with a spread of 2–3m (6–10ft). Its narrow shape makes it an excellent choice for small gardens or narrow spaces, such as streetscapes and avenues. The tree has a slender trunk and graceful branches, which create a tall, pyramid-like structure that adds elegance and architectural interest to any setting.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Urban & Street Planting: Due to its compact, upright form, 'Fastigiata' is perfect for street plantings, avenues, and small urban gardens where space is limited. Its narrow structure allows it to fit into tighter spaces without overwhelming the area.
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Wildlife Gardens: The bright red berries are a valuable food source for birds, making this tree ideal for wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens. The early-season flowers and late-season berries provide important resources for local wildlife.
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Mixed Borders & Hedges: This tree can be used in mixed planting schemes, where its vertical form provides a striking contrast to broader, bushier plants. It can also be planted as a small, informal hedge in larger gardens or parklands.
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Specimen Tree & Focal Points: 'Fastigiata' makes a fantastic specimen tree, where its upright structure and seasonal colour changes can be appreciated up close. It also works well in smaller spaces as a focal point.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade. For the best berry production and autumn colour, plant in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
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Soil: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. It prefers well-drained, moist conditions but can tolerate drier soils once established.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy and well-suited to temperate climates, Sorbus 'Fastigiata' can withstand cold winters and moderate frost. It is an ideal choice for areas with colder climates.
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Maintenance: This tree is relatively low-maintenance. Light pruning is recommended to maintain its shape or remove any dead or damaged branches. It is generally pest-resistant, though occasional care may be needed for aphids or fungal diseases. Regular watering during dry periods will help it establish itself, particularly in drier soils.
Why Choose Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata'?
Sorbus 'Fastigiata' is a striking and versatile tree that adds interest and beauty to any landscape. With its unique upright form, vibrant spring flowers, brilliant autumn foliage, and eye-catching berries, it provides year-round appeal. It is perfect for small gardens, urban environments, or any space where a compact, columnar tree is desired.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Acer (Maple) or Malus (Crabapple) for contrasting foliage and fruit, especially in autumn.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum or Spiraea for additional seasonal colour and texture.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Lavender, Hostas, or Astilbe to complement the tree's bright foliage and add depth to the garden.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Daffodils, or Snowdrops for an early burst of colour that coincides with the tree’s spring bloom.
Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata' is a charming tree that combines a beautiful vertical form with vibrant seasonal displays. Its slender, columnar habit, bright berries, and gorgeous autumn foliage make it a standout choice for urban gardens, streetscapes, and small spaces. This tree is not only visually appealing but also provides valuable resources for wildlife, making it an excellent choice for any landscape.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
