Rowan rowan Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a hardy, medium-sized native tree widely distributed across Scandinavia. It offers clusters of white spring flowers, bright orange-red autumn berries, and fine, pinnate foliage with vivid autumn color. It is exceptionally cold-hardy (Swedish zone 1–8), wind-tolerant, and valuable for biodiversity—flowers feed pollinators and berries support birds. It is a good choice for smaller gardens due to its relatively narrow crown and adaptability to various soils. Fruits are astringent when fresh but excellent for jellies, marmalades, wines, and drying after frost or freezing. Growing conditions LightFull sun to light shade; best fruiting in full sun. Soil typeMoist but well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates poor, acidic, and slightly alkaline soils if drainage is good. Water requirementModerate. Keep evenly moist the first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once established. Nutrient requirementLow to moderate. Benefits from a light spring compost/mulch; avoid heavy nitrogen. Back to plant list
