If you want to plant a mountain ash in your garden, there are a few things to consider. Above all, the location should be well thought out.
The mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is better known to many under the name rowan tree. The rose family is particularly eye-catching because of their orange fruits. The robust whitebeam plants can often be found on roadsides in cities. But the mountain ash is also a popular and decorative plant in the home garden. Proper care of the rowan tree begins with planting.
Short description of plants
Mountain ash tends to be one of the more delicate trees. This makes them very interesting for cultivation in the home garden. The rowanberry does not form a sprawling crown. The growth habit is rather slender and the crown loose. The mountain ash also remains rather modest in terms of its growth height. The trees are about 12 meters high. Anyone who plants a mountain ash will probably pass on a piece of nature to the next generation, because the trees can live between 80 and 120 years.
| Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 30 - 70 cm a year |
| Growth: | 600 - 1,200 cm |
| Growth: | 400 - 600 cm |
| Root system: | Deep Roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh to wet soil |
Region of distribution of mountain ash
The natural distribution area of the plants is always important for the planting. Here it is made easy for the hobby gardener, because the rowanberry is native to all of Europe. Occurrences can be found in rough Siberia as well as on the sunny Balearic Islands, in the foothills of the Alps or on the North Sea coast. The trees are also found in Austria, with the exception of the eastern part of the country.
In nature, the mountain ash is mainly found in clearings or at the edges of forests. The plants can be found on damp moorland as well as on stony mountain slopes. In the Alps, trees grow up to 2,000 meters above sea level. In the far north, mountain ash can even be found up to the coast of thesea of ice.
Planting mountain ash - the right location
The mountain ash is quite robust and - as already mentioned - can often be found on roadsides. The plants seem to be resistant to exhaust fumes. Nevertheless, you should consider a few things when choosing a location.
If the mountain ash is to delight with its pretty berries, it needs a sunny location. However, the trees are quite sensitive to heat. You should therefore not place the trees in the immediate vicinity of house walls, as the walls also give off the stored heat.
Tip: A dark location results in sparse or non-existent flowering.
The rowan tree prefers a solitary position. In smaller gardens, it can also serve as a cover for beds, because the light crown allows sufficient sunlight to fall on the plants. A distance of several meters should be kept from other trees. However, transplanting with smaller bushes and shrubs is not a problem.
Location shortly:
- sunny to partial shade
- Unique position preferred
- not near the wall
Attention, roots: The roots of the rowan tree can prove to be quite aggressive. The plant quickly spreads its roots in the ground and can also endanger pipes and cables.
Selecting the ideal substrate for the rowan tree
You will not be faced with a major challenge when choosing the substrate. The plants are quite undemanding and do not like an oversupply of nutrients. Normal garden soil satisfies the plant's requirements. A nutrient-poor, humus-rich soil is sufficient. However, the permeability of the substrate is important. Coarse sand or clay can be used to loosen and improve compacted soil. A slightly acidic soil is preferred. Even with extremely acidic soil, the mountain ash has no problem.
Substrate in brief:
- nutrient poor
- humos
- sour
- permeable
Planting rowan - step by step
1. Select location2. Prepare substrate
3. Water plant
4. Dig planting hole
5. Insert drainage6. Insert the plant
7. Protect the roots
8. Close the planting hole
9. Press the soil
10. Water the plant
Mountains can be planted all year round. However, the optimal planting time is spring.
Tip: Rowanberries should be harvested in a frost-free periodto be planted. The roots cannot anchor themselves in the frozen ground and the plant could be damaged.
Before planting, remember that mountain ash
- likes to stand alone
- Needs sun to bloom
- has sprawling roots
- doesn't want to stand on walls or house walls
- hardly bears fruit if it is too dark
- lives up to 100 years
Planting the mountain ash at a glance
| Measure | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Find location | • The trees need a sunny position. But the plants also thrive in semi-shade. • Flowers and fruits will not appear in a location that is too dark. • The mountain ash is relatively sensitive to heat and should not be placed near walls that reflect the heat. be planted. • The expansive root system should also be considered when planting. |
| Prepare the ground | • Normal garden soil is sufficient for the cultivation of mountain ash. • The plants need loose soil. • Acidic soil is tolerated. |
| Plant rowan | • The trees thrive best on their own. • There should be a distance of about four centimeters to other trees. • The planting hole must be dug to a sufficient size. • Before planting, the root ball is watered. • The roots are carefully planted in the soil and covered with substrate. • After planting, the mountain ash is watered well. |
What should be considered when transplanting?
The aspects just mentioned should be considered when choosing a location. Then transplanting will usually not be necessary. However, if you have made a mistake in the location and noticed that the tree only grows sparsely and does not bear any fruit, it is advisable to change the location. Quite young trees tolerate transplanting without major problems. Older trees should be avoided. Simply because of the sprawling roots, a change becomes a difficult and often unsuccessful undertaking.
If you have to move an older rowan tree, some preparatory work is necessary. First you have to stake out a fairly large root ball. It is also necessary to make it easier for the tree to grow later in the new location. To do this, dig a ditch around the plant and fill it up with loose soil, sand and compost and water it liberally. The mountain ash will form fine roots in this area of the soil, whichmake it easier for the rowan tree to develop well after later transplanting.
Is the mountain ash poisonous?
You hear again and again that rowan berries are poisonous. However, the berries of the mountain ash are not poisonous in small doses. However, if children and animals consume large amounts of raw berries, diarrhea and vomiting can occur.
Tip: The berries are completely non-toxic to birds and are a popular food source.
The berries contain a lot of vitamin C and can be enjoyed cooked as a compote. Even a homemade schnapps will reward the hobby gardener for cultivating the plant.