Sorbus aria or Common whitebeam

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Care of the tree Sorbus aria or Common whitebeam

The genus Sorbus, family Rosaceae, comprises 100 species of trees and shrubs native to temperate and cold areas of Asia and Europe. Some species are: Sorbus aria, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus domestica, Sorbus alnifolia, Sorbus torminalis.

Common names: Common whitebeam, Whitebeam. This species is native to Europe (southern and central) and Morocco.

They are deciduous trees with a rounded crown that reach 12 meters (39,37 feet) in height. The interesting foliage is formed by large oval leaves, with a serrated edge and a silvery gray color on the upper surface and hairy on the underside that turn reddish or golden in autumn. The flowers are creamy-white and appear in clusters. They bloom in the second half of spring. They produce very decorative red fruits.

Common whitebeam is used as isolated specimens in the garden and in streets, avenues and public parks as they withstand urban pollution well. It is not recommended to grow them in very dry Mediterranean climates; it's ideal for mountain areas.

Sorbus aria grows in full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists frost.

The soil must be well drained and contain abundant organic matter; Common whitebeam can grow in shallow, calcareous, clay soils.

Water frequently but without flooding so that the soil always retains a little moisture.

Fertilize in fall with compost or manure.

Whitebeam does not need pruning.

Sorbus aria is quite resistant to the usual pests but are particularly sensitive to a disease called fire blight.

Common whitebeam is propagated from seeds sown in spring in the nursery.