Sorbus Intermedia - Swedish Whitebeam

Sorbus Intermedia, more commonly known as Swedish Whitebeam, is a broad-headed, dense deciduous tree. Prized for its decorative qualities and reliable performance in the garden, this ornamental tree is suited to be grown as a focus of interest in the garden or in mixed shrub borders.

The foliage of this whitebeam variety is what differentiates it from its close relatives. Its leaves are broadly oval, deeply lobed, and dark green, with a felted underside. In late spring, the foliage serves as a contrasting backdrop to masses of dainty, white blossoms that appear on the tree. The flowers are followed by highly-decorative, bright red berries, produced in large clusters.

Versatile and resilient, Swedish Whitebeam is not fussy when it comes to soils. This ornamental tree will thrive in any well-drained, humus-rich soil, regardless of its type. Sorbus Intermedia performs well in both full sun and dappled shade, and exposed or sheltered locations. Its tolerance of salt sprays and strong winds make it a great choice for coastal gardens, especially when planted en masse as a windbreak. This cultivar is not bothered by urban pollution, and it is rarely affected by serious pests and diseases.

As the name suggests, Swedish Whitebeam is native to Northern Europe and it can survive in areas where winter temperatures drop to 20 degrees below zero. Fully hardy in the United Kingdom, this ornamental tree is appreciated for its good constitution and adaptability.

Sorbus Intermedia is suitable for gardeners of any experience level, as it is considered low-maintenance. No regular pruning is required to keep its multi-stemmed form looking tidy and neat. To ensure your plant stays healthy, remove any damaged or dead shoots in late winter to early spring.

With a broad, bushy habit, this deciduous tree can achieve a maximum height of 12 metres. As it matures, this multi-stemmed tree will take on a slightly fan-shaped form, with the width at its base being over 8 metres wide.

With multiple seasons of interest and noteworthy qualities, Sorbus Intermedia has multiple uses in the garden. When grown on its own, it makes for a splendid specimen tree, particularly in small gardens. It is often planted as a windbreak, due to its dense foliage and resistance to windy conditions, or even used for privacy screening purposes. In borders, it offers texture and pairs beautifully with showier, flowering plants. Lots more choice in our full collection of deciduous trees. See also mature trees.