What soil does Whitebeam grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Whitebeam be planted?

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

How much water does Whitebeam need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Whitebeam

Sorbus aria

Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €24.

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

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

A native small tree with a dense, rounded crown whose oval leaves are dark green above and white-felted beneath, so the whole crown flashes silver at leaf break and in the wind. It carries white flower clusters in May and June and orange-red berries in autumn, which the birds eat. Thanks to its deep roots an established tree copes well with drought, limy soil and city air, which makes it a good choice for sunny, dry gardens and streets; do not plant it in waterlogged or compacted soil. The usual cultivars are 'Lutescens', whose young leaves are silvery white on both sides, and the large-leaved 'Magnifica' and 'Majestica'.

Watch out for

Like most pome-fruit relatives it is susceptible to fire blight: cut shoots that suddenly turn brown and curl like a shepherd's crook well back into healthy wood and disinfect the secateurs. Canker, silver leaf, aphids, scale insects and spider mites also occur. In lowland heat and prolonged drought the foliage can scorch, and it copes badly with soil compaction. 'Lutescens' tolerates paving less well than the other cultivars.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °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	8–15 m × 4–8 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	600 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €24

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
120-150 cm	approx. €24

Frequently asked questions

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

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants that give shade Plants with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Aubrieta

Aubrieta × cultorum

Atlas fescue

Festuca mairei