Sorbus aucuparia 'Wettra' – A Beautiful Rowan Tree with Vibrant Berries and Stunning Autumn Foliage
Sorbus aucuparia 'Wettra', commonly known as Wettra Rowan or Mountain Ash, is a hardy and visually striking deciduous tree, celebrated for its spectacular clusters of red berries, rich autumn colour, and graceful, upright form. With its year-round interest, this tree is perfect for gardens, parks, streetscapes, and urban spaces. Its vibrant berries, elegant foliage, and seasonal appeal make it a wonderful addition to any landscape.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In late spring to early summer, Sorbus 'Wettra' produces abundant clusters of creamy white flowers, which appear in dense, umbrella-shaped panicles. These delicate flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding a soft, fragrant touch to the garden.
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Summer: After the flowers fade, the tree begins to produce striking clusters of bright red-orange berries. These berries last throughout the summer and often persist into autumn, creating a vivid display against the backdrop of lush green foliage.
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Autumn: The highlight of this tree comes in autumn, when the leaves turn a rich golden-yellow and red before falling. The combination of colourful leaves and clusters of red berries creates a spectacular display of colour that draws attention in any garden or park. The berries also provide food for birds and other wildlife during this time.
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Winter: In winter, the tree’s bare branches show off its graceful, upright form. The remaining red berries continue to provide food for birds, adding a pop of colour against the winter landscape. The tree’s structure remains attractive, making it a great feature in the garden even after the growing season ends.
Structure & Form
Sorbus aucuparia 'Wettra' is a medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching a height of 7–10m (23–33ft) with a spread of 4–6m (13–20ft). It has an upright, pyramidal habit that is slightly broader than other rowan varieties, giving it a slightly more open form. The slender trunk and branching structure are graceful and provide a light, airy canopy. This tree is well-suited for small to medium-sized gardens, streetscapes, or public parks, where its compact shape can be fully appreciated.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Urban & Street Planting: Due to its upright form and compact size, 'Wettra' is ideal for urban settings and street plantings. It fits well in confined spaces and adds colour and interest to otherwise dull environments.
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Wildlife Gardens: The berries of Sorbus 'Wettra' attract birds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. The tree provides both nectar-rich flowers in spring and berries in autumn, supporting local pollinators and birds.
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Specimen Tree & Focal Points: 'Wettra' makes an excellent specimen tree, with its vibrant berries and seasonal colour changes ensuring it draws attention as a focal point in any garden or park setting.
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Mixed Borders & Hedging: This tree can be incorporated into mixed planting schemes, where its upright form and seasonal displays provide contrast and height. It can also be used as part of an informal hedge, blending beautifully with other trees and shrubs.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal berry production and vibrant autumn colour, plant in a sunny or partially shaded location.
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Soil: Tolerant of a variety of soil types, including loamy, clay, and sandy soils. Sorbus 'Wettra' thrives in well-drained, moist soil but can tolerate drier conditions once established.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, Sorbus 'Wettra' is ideal for temperate climates and can withstand cold winters and frost. It is a resilient tree that will thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
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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 wood. Sorbus 'Wettra' is resistant to many pests, although occasional attention may be needed for aphids or fungal diseases. Regular watering during dry periods will help the tree establish itself, especially when young.
Why Choose Sorbus aucuparia 'Wettra'?
Sorbus 'Wettra' is a vibrant and hardy tree that offers year-round beauty and interest. With its brilliant red berries, beautiful spring blossoms, and stunning autumn foliage, it adds colour and life to any landscape. Whether planted as a specimen tree, part of a mixed border, or used in urban environments, this tree’s upright form and seasonal appeal make it an excellent choice for gardens and public spaces.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Malus (Crabapple) or Acer (Maple) for a beautiful contrast in flower colour, autumn foliage, and overall structure.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum (Guelder Rose) or Spiraea (Spirea) for complementary blooms in spring and summer.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Lavender, Heuchera, or Astilbe to provide additional texture and colour around the base of the tree.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Narcissus (Daffodils), or Tulips for an early burst of colour that coincides with the tree’s spring bloom.
Sorbus aucuparia 'Wettra' is a fantastic addition to any landscape, offering exceptional seasonal interest with its beautiful flowers, vibrant berries, and striking autumn colours. Whether used in small gardens, as part of a wildlife-friendly planting scheme, or in urban environments, this tree will stand out and provide lasting appeal throughout the year.
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.
