Swedish Rowanis an easy-to-grow and decorative tree all year round. Although this tree takes on a considerable size and is more often used in urban agglomerations as a valuable avenue and street tree, it is worth considering the choice of this species also for a home garden. What conditions should be ensured forSwedish rowan cultivationto succeed?
Swedish Rowan (Sorbus intermedia) - fruit
Swedish rowan - description
Swedish Rowan(Sorbus intermedia) is a medium-sized tree.It grows up to 10-12 m in height. At the same time, it reaches a width of 5-7 m. It forms a regular crown, initially conical, and spherical in the following years of development. The leaves of the Swedish rowan are oval, shallowly lobed, covered with gray cutter on the underside. They turn yellow in autumn. In May, white flowers appear. The fruits decorate the mountain ash in October, they are decorative, orange. Swedish rowan is an extremely tolerant species, often found in urban greenery.
Note! In Poland, the Swedish rowan grows in natural positions, where it is under strict protection. Plants for the garden must come from nursery breeding.
Swedish rowan - application
High tolerance to harsh environmental conditions means thatSwedish rowanis used primarily in the city, as a tree planted in parks or along roads. It is often grafted onto the trunk of rowan or hawthorn and used to line the alley.
Decorative qualities of the Swedish rowaninclude May white flowers, spectacularly discolored autumn leaves and spherical, orange-red fruit. The latter are a valuable source of vitamin C and sorbitol - substances with a sweet taste. Thanks to this, unlike the common rowan (i.e. the popular rowan),the fruits of the Swedish rowanare devoid of bitterness. Their healing effects will be especially appreciated by diabetics. The fruits of the Swedish rowan can be made into jams, liqueurs or juices.
PlantingSwedish rowan in the gardenwe can create interesting arrangements. As a fairly tall tree, it will be an ideal neighbor for plants that like to grow in the shade. They do not shed their leaves in winter - eastern laurel or holly. The long-lasting fruits on the rowan will attract birds to the garden.
It is also worth mentioning the varietySwedish rowan 'Brouwers' . It grows up to 6 m in height and has a regular, compact crown. It grows quite slowly, so it will be a good alternative for those who do not have large gardens.
An interesting idea isusing Swedish rowan fruitas a material for autumn floristic compositions. They can be a small decorative element or form the basis of the entire composition. Woven into a wreath of twigs, or densely packed on a floral sponge. The warm color of rowan fruit will be perfectly combined with wood, bark, moss, discolored leaves of the five-leaf virginia creeper 'Murorum' or heather. It can also be used for a Christmas headdress.
Swedish rowan - cultivation
Swedish rowan - requirements
Swedish rowanis an unrefined species, so even a beginner green lover can handle it. Prefers sunny and alkaline ground. It is resistant to salinity, wind and drought. Ingrowing Swedish rowanwe will not have problems with diseases and pests.
Swedish rowan - planting
When planting Swedish rowanwe have to remember that this tree, come growing slowly, will be quite large in the future.Therefore, let us take into account the distance of planting from the buildings, taking into account that it must be at least 8 m. We should also remember to keep the appropriate distance from the plot border so that in the future the tree does not become a cause of disputes with the neighbor.
Swedish rowan seedlingsplant them approx. 10 cm deeper than they grew in the pot, to the bottom filled with fertile soil. The newly planted plant should be tied to a support until it has rooted well.
Swedish rowan - care
The Swedish rowan is fertilizedin the spring, in the first years after planting. Older trees cope on their own. We water as needed. Every year we makesanitary cutting of rowan , which consists in removing sick, broken branches. It's best to do them in winter.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
