Chinese Whitebeam

Large, bold foliage with woolly white undersides and showy white fruits flushed with rose-pink make Sorbus pallescens—a rare and elegant Chinese Whitebeam—a standout ornamental tree for multi-season interest. In Spring, large clusters of creamy-white blossoms emerge against narrow, lance-shaped leaves that shimmer silvery-white in the breeze. As Summer turns to Autumn, its lustrous green foliage shifts to warm golden-yellow shades, providing a beautiful backdrop for loose, heavy bunches of white-to-rosy-red berries that persist well into Winter. Forming an upright, neatly structured crown, this hardy species is ideal for woodland borders or as a distinctive focal tree.

Site: Tolerates inland exposure
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Prefers neutral to acidic ground; dislikes heavy, waterlogged clay
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Flowers in Spring, foliage in Summer, berries into Winter 
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 16-26’ (5-8m) Spread: 10-16’ (3-5m) ~ at maturity 

Image by uwbotanicgardens cropped and licensed under CC BY 2.0