We have made the decision to close Waitrose Garden on 7 May 2026 to focus on our core food offering. Customers can continue to order as usual until 23:59 on 7 May.

Sorbus × thuringiaca 'Fastigiata'

mountain ash, Rowan ( syn. Sorbus hybrida 'Fastigiata' )

Eventual height & spread

Sorbus × thuringiaca 'Fastigiata'

mountain ash, Rowan ( syn. Sorbus hybrida 'Fastigiata' )

  • 9 litre pot | 2 - 2.5m tall
  • £79.99
  • available to order from summer
  • bare root | 1.2m tall
  • £59.99
  • available to order from summer
Delivery options
  • Standard £12.99
  • Position: full sun or lightly dappled shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: average
  • Flowering period: May
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


This distinctive rowan hybrid combines ornamental qualities and resilience in a formal, columnar form ideal for urban gardens. Emerging narrow in youth, the foliage unfurls with dark green upper surfaces and silvery grey undersides reminiscent of Sorbus aria (Whitebeam). Come autumn, the leaves transform to brilliant orange tones. Clusters of creamy white spring flowers give way to abundant orange-red berry bunches that provide winter interest for birds. Though narrow when young, the tree broadens with age into an oval shape. Offering year-round interest and extreme durability, Sorbus × thuringiaca 'Fastigiata' is a stellar choice where space is limited or conditions are challenging.


  • Garden care:
    Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive. If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up.

    Protect from cold, drying winds. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole. To safeguard your trees during shipping and their initial growth, we may supply them attached to a bamboo cane. This support system helps prevent bending or snapping during the early years, ensuring a strong and healthy start. We recommend leaving the cane in place for up to three years, checking the ties seasonally to prevent excessive tightening. Once the tree has developed sufficient strength to stand independently, the cane can be removed. In addition, we advise staking the tree and any attached cane, securely to provide additional support.

    Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter.
    • Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten

    Goes well with