Photo gallery

  • Sorbus hepehensis fruit
  • Sorbus hupehensis in aautumn foliage on the Barcham Trees nursery
  • Sorbus hupehensis in summer foliage on the Barcham Trees nursery
  • Medium-sized Chinese rowan trees here at Barcham
  • Carbon Rating
  • Carbon Rating

Chinese rowan, Hubei rowan

Sorbus hupehensis

Out of stock

Our new stock is growing! New stock will be available 1st September 2025.

About this product

Sorbus hupehensis (Chinese Rowan) was discovered by Ernest Wilson and introduced from its native western China in 1910. This splendid ornamental tree stands out with its flat blue-tinged leaves and light brown trunk. It won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and forms a compact broadly oval crown at maturity.

Splendid white berries start pink before turning white, and they are produced in large clusters, complemented by stunning red autumn colour. These characteristics typify Sorbus hupehensis as a small, low-maintenance tree that thrives on most soils and can tolerate the rigours of the urban environment.

The tree is quite upright in form with ascending branches and will grow in the toughest of conditions, including exposed positions. It is ideal for specimen planting or use in an avenue.

Being white, the berries are the last to be taken by birds, so they can remain on the tree way past Christmas. If you live in an area prone to rabbits or deer, then we recommend rabbit guards for these trees.

Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Mature height: 3-7m

Specifications

Common names
Chinese rowan, Hubei rowan
Height of tree
3-7m
Soil type
Well drained, Acidic, Will tolerate most soil types
Shape
Oval
Blossom Colour
White
Foliage Colour
Green
Information Flags
Good for bees, Award
Looks good in
Summer, Autumn
Location
Garden
Autumn Colour
Yes