What soil does Rowan grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, sandy.

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Rowan toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Rowan be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Rowan need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Rowan cost?

It sells for roughly €7.50 to €150 in local shops, depending on size.

Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €7.50.

Illustration of Rowan — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slender small tree with an open crown that offers white flower clusters in spring, orange-red berry bunches from late summer and yellow to reddish autumn leaves, and birds love the fruit. It belongs in a cooler, more humid garden with moist, rather acidic soil; it copes badly with hot, dry, paved sites and is short-lived there. Large-fruited, sweeter forms are also sold as fruit plants: the raw berries are bitter and can upset the stomach, but cooked they make good jam and syrup.

Watch out for

It suffers in the warm, dry lowland gardens of Central Europe and in paved city sites: it likes the cool, humid climate of the hills, and heat, drought and compacted soil weaken it, after which borers and cankers move in, so it is short-lived in such places. It is susceptible to fire blight (shoot tips blacken as if scorched), which can be severe and can spread to other fruit trees of the rose family. Scab (with early leaf drop), rust, powdery mildew, aphids, sawflies and scale also occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	5 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	6–15 m × 2.5–8 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Harvest	August–September
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €7.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
120 cm	approx. €22
120-140 cm	approx. €24
140-160 cm	approx. €27
160-200 cm	approx. €51
350+ cm	approx. €150
8/10 cm trunk girth	approx. €120
size not stated	approx. €7.50 – €23

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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