Tree · Rosaceae family
rowan
Sorbus aucuparia
In short a 10-second read
Rowan (tree) grows to 6–15 m tall and 4–8 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. It flowers in May–June; the flowers are white. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 4–8 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 4.5–6.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–June · white
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (February–March).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does rowan flower?
In May–June; the flowers are white.
Does rowan tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does rowan need?
At maturity 4–8 m wide and 6–15 m tall; recommended spacing 600 cm.
Does rowan survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (16)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Sorbus aucuparia
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Sorbus aucuparia
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Sorbus aucuparia
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Sorbus aucuparia
- EPPO Global Database — Sorbus aucuparia
- RHS - Sorbus aucuparia
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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