Product description
Mountain Ash trees are ideal to plant in medium to large sized gardens where they will impress with their elegant, upright shape. The Cardinal Royal gets its name from the stunning, glossy bright red berries that smother the tree in late July and August. Cardinals wear scarlet vestments and headwear with scarlet piping and buttons on their black cassocks. A majestic Royal sight!
Sorbus aucuparia 'Cardinal Royal' features attractive dark green leaves divided into many leaflets. The leaves have a silvery underside which turn to a stunning show of russet red in autumn. In spring, lightly scented creamy white flowers create a wonderful display and later turn into red berries. The berries attract birds, bees and butterflies, bringing movement and bird song into your garden.
This Mountain Ash tree grows to heights of 6m with a spread of 3m. It has a lovely upright habit, pleasing to the eye. When the tree is laden with berries, the weight may pull some branches down, disturbing the perfect upright look. Don't worry, birds will soon enjoy the berries and the branches will return to their original position.
Your Cardinal Royal is fully hardy and can be planted in full sun or light shade. The tree thrives best in moist but well-drained soil. Plant one alone as a focal point of interest in a medium to large space. You can also plant many in a row to create a screen against a fence or an uninspired dull boundary wall.
Mountain Ash Tree
Sorbus 'Cardinal Royal'
Sorbus 'Cardinal Royal'
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Product description
Mountain Ash trees are ideal to plant in medium to large sized gardens where they will impress with their elegant, upright shape. The Cardinal Royal gets its name from the stunning, glossy bright red berries that smother the tree in late July and August. Cardinals wear scarlet vestments and headwear with scarlet piping and buttons on their black cassocks. A majestic Royal sight!
Sorbus aucuparia 'Cardinal Royal' features attractive dark green leaves divided into many leaflets. The leaves have a silvery underside which turn to a stunning show of russet red in autumn. In spring, lightly scented creamy white flowers create a wonderful display and later turn into red berries. The berries attract birds, bees and butterflies, bringing movement and bird song into your garden.
This Mountain Ash tree grows to heights of 6m with a spread of 3m. It has a lovely upright habit, pleasing to the eye. When the tree is laden with berries, the weight may pull some branches down, disturbing the perfect upright look. Don't worry, birds will soon enjoy the berries and the branches will return to their original position.
Your Cardinal Royal is fully hardy and can be planted in full sun or light shade. The tree thrives best in moist but well-drained soil. Plant one alone as a focal point of interest in a medium to large space. You can also plant many in a row to create a screen against a fence or an uninspired dull boundary wall.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Sorbus in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches and to maintain a healthy shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering and berry production. Encourage wildlife to your garden by leaving the berries to ripen fully—they are a favourite for birds and add vibrant colour to your outdoor space during autumn. Regular care will keep your Sorbus tree thriving year-round.
How to Water
Water Sorbus deeply after planting and continue to water regularly during the first year to help establish strong roots. During dry spells, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Sorbus trees are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation and provide the tree with the moisture it needs.
How to Plant
To plant Sorbus, select a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, ensuring the roots have enough room to spread. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the removed soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, leaving a gap around the trunk to prevent rot. Space trees at least 3–4 metres apart to allow for mature growth.
