Sorbus harrowniana Seeds | Harrow’s Rowan
LATIN NAME: Sorbus harrowniana
COMMON NAME: Harrow’s Rowan
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Harrow’s Rowan, Sorbus harrowniana is an upright, deciduous tree in the rose family. Leaves colour gold and orange in autumn, and tree grows into neat, open form. It stands cold and high ground well, and it likes sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the rose family regularly include Sorbus harrowniana in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Coral berries of the Harrow’s rowan give it a recognised place in research on cold-climate berry trees of rose family, and species appears in studies of berry pigments and high-altitude growth. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Harrow’s Rowan brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In cold garden, the Harrow’s rowan garnets autumn branches with red berries. Coral bunches feed thrushes and waxwings through winter, pinnate leaves turn gold and orange, and rowan berries have served jellies and drinks for generations. It grows well in moist, well-drained, sunny ground. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Rowan berries, cooked into jellies, are a tart vitamin-C tradition of northern Europe, and the trees are superb for birds and autumn color.
Growing from Seed
Harrow’s Rowan is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Harrow’s Rowan settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Attention to moisture in the first weeks pays off; later, the plant is forgiving.
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