Rowan (the Mountain Ash) is a popular tree or shrub that is widely used in garden design due to its decorative and unpretentious properties. It not only attracts attention with its bright fruits and beautiful foliage, but also contributes to creating an eye-catching atmosphere in the garden.
Types of Mountain Ash:
There are several types, the most common of which are:
Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia): is a tall tree with a sparse crown, reaching a height of up to 15 to 20 metres. Its white flowers bloom in May and, in autumn, bright red berries appear, which attract birds.
Mountain Ash (Sorbus melanocarpa): is a shrub or small tree reaching a height of 5 to 10 metres. The berries are black in colour; they are edible, but less popular than the black-berried Mountain Ash.
Siberian Mountain Ash (Sorbus sibirica): is a variety characterised by frost resistance. It can grow in cold climates and has decorative qualities.
Large-fruited Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia var. edulis): differs from the other varieties having larger berries that can be used in cooking for making jams and compotes.
Growing Conditions:
Mountain Ash does not require special conditions for growth, which makes it suitable for various types of landscape. The basic requirements are:
Light: Mountain Ash prefers sunny or semi-shaded places. It will grow in the shade, but there will be fewer fruits and the crown may become more sparse.
Soil: Mountain Ash prefers moist but well-drained soils. It can grow on different types of soils, including clay and sandy, but it does best on organic matter-rich loam.
Watering: Mountain Ash is resistant to drought but regular watering is recommended during very dry periods, especially in the first year of planting.
Temperature: Mountain Ash is frost-resistant and can grow in cold climates, making it an ideal choice for northern regions.
Application in Garden Design:
Single Feature: Mountain Ash can serve as a central element in landscape design due to its beautiful silhouette and bright fruits.
Group Feature: combining Rowan with other trees and shrubs creates beautiful compositions, especially in autumn when Rowan stands out for its bright berries.
Hedges: Rowan can be used to create hedges that not only perform a protective function but also attract birds.
Garden Accents: Mountain Ash can be used to accentuate garden paths, alpine rockeries and many other garden features.
Conclusion:
Rowan is a versatile and attractive plant that can illuminate any garden, giving it brightness and character.
Leave a Reply