The whitebeam can be planted as a shrub, hedge or tree. We explain what to consider and when is the best time to plant.
Whiteberries (Sorbus) belong to the pome fruit family and form a particularly diverse species within the rose family. Around 100 species are found in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The most common representatives are rowan berries or service berries. All whitebeams adorn themselves with eye-catching fruits in autumn, which form a nice contrast to the leafy green. Incidentally, the term whitebeam comes from times when food was scarce and people made do with flour from the dried fruits. What needs to be considered when planting the pretty ornamental shrubs can be read below.
Whitebeam - small plant description
The whitebeams are mostly deciduous and grow as smaller trees or shrubs. It is not uncommon for the trees to form several trunks and have a spreading crown. The largest representatives of the Sorbus species can reach a height of up to 20 meters. These include, for example, Sorbus pohuashanensis, which is native to northern China. In contrast, the dwarf whitebeam, which is common in Central Europe, only grows to a height of three metres.
Blooming Whitebeams
Depending on its species, the whitebeam flowers between spring and summer. The hermaphrodite flowers usually appear rich and are close together. Grapes or panicles occur. The flowers are surrounded by a double sheath. The sepals are green and triangular to ovate. The petals come in white, yellowish or pink varieties. Each carpel has two to four ovules.
All whitebeams form small apple fruits. Therefore, the whitebeam is botanically one of the pome fruit plants. Depending on the variety, the fruits are yellow, pink, orange, red or brown in color and ovoid to round. The core contains up to seven seed chambers, which usually contain one seed.
Hawberry Spread
The distribution area of the species-rich genus of whitebeams is exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The plants are most common in North America and Eurasia. Also in China are moremore than 60 species, 43 whitebeam species grow there alone.
Whitebeams are undemanding and known for being able to cope well with extreme locations. It is not uncommon for whitebeams to be spotted on rock faces or gutters. The demands on the substrate are low and the plants can also cope with acidic soil. However, the plants are less able to adapt to longer periods of drought. The Sorbus species native to the Himalayas are particularly sensitive to drought. The drought also affects the growth height. In optimal locations Service Trees can grow more than 30 meters high.
➔ Tip: Whitebeams grow up to the tree line in the mountains.
Whitebeams are often found in the wild in clearings or at the edges of forests. The plants are reluctant to compete with other plants. Birds spread the seeds into the forest undergrowth where numerous seedlings occur.
Plant whitebeams - find a suitable location
No matter which type of whitebeam you have chosen, the plants are adaptable and will thrive in almost any location. Whiteberries should, however, be placed in a warm and not too dry place. Depending on the species, a sunny to partially shaded location is ideal. Whiteberries should also be given a unique position and should not be planted in the immediate vicinity of fast-growing trees. The whitebeam grows very slowly and is therefore not very competitive.
When choosing a location, you should also keep an eye on the distance to buildings and roads. Whitebeams are flat-rooted and therefore not really firmly anchored in the ground. The distance from trees to roads and properties is specified by the municipalities. As a rule of thumb, the tree should be planted at a distance equal to its height. So if a growth height of three meters is to be expected, a distance of three meters is sufficient. It becomes more critical for species whose growth height is prescribed at 20 meters. However, these whitebeams are not usually found in our latitudes. However, varieties suitable for the home garden can be expected to grow to heights of ten to twelve meters. Therefore, before you buy, find out about the individual varieties and their growth height.
Find the right location in keywords:
- sunny to semi-shady
- warm
- not too dry
- not near fast-growing trees
- wind protected
- sufficient distance from buildings or roads
Planting whitebeams - choosing the right substrate
Due to its undemanding nature, the whitebeam actually grows on any conventional garden soil. A fresh, permeable and not too dry soil has a positive effect on the growth of the whitebeam. The pH value of the soil should be in the neutral range if possible, although a slightly acidic environment is accepted by most species. Some whitebeams prefer calcareous soil.
The soil should not tend to compact. If the soil is too wet and heavy, it can be made more permeable by adding sand or grit. Soil that is too dry can be upgraded with leaf soil or compost.
Keywords for the right substrate:
- permeable
- neutral to slightly acidic
- loose
- fresh
- nutrient rich
- often calcareous
Planting whitebeams - instructions
When is planting time?
Whitebeams can be planted in spring or autumn. Planting in spring is preferable, because then the plants can grow well over the summer and form stable roots.
Planting whitebeams - step by step
- Select Location
- Prepare the ground
- Water plant
- Dig planting hole
- Loosen the soil
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant
➔ Tip: Even bare-root plants usually develop well, but are cheaper to buy.
Whitebeams are also suitable for hedges. About three to four plants should be planted per meter. Before planting, the root ball is well watered. The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball. After the plant has been placed in the planting hole, water it well.
Popular whitebeam varieties for the garden
Hawberry Magnifica
This hybrid grows up to 12 meters tall. The growth height increases by twenty centimeters every year. The shrub grows about five meters in width. The branches branch profusely and grow upright. In autumn, this whitebeam bears orange-red fruits, which contrast nicely with the light yellow foliageform.
Hawberry Aurea
This variety is also suitable for smaller gardens. The pruning-tolerant whitebeams can also be cultivated as a shrub. The growth height is about six meters. The yellow-green foliage color over the summer months is very attractive. In autumn the leaf color changes to a warm orange.
Hawberry Majestica
This whitebeam can be cultivated either as a tree or as a shrub. The growth height is up to twelve meters. The crown is slender and conical. The branches do not overhang. In autumn the orange-red berries appear, which can reach up to two centimeters in size.