Sorbus domestica

Features and care

Sorbus domestica, now identified as Cormus domestica and known as the service tree, is a deciduous tree with an open crown. Its ornamental interest combines compound foliage, pale flowers and small fruits, and it is found in large gardens and traditional-style landscapes.

Its spreading branches carry pinnate leaves with numerous partly toothed leaflets. In late spring or early summer, clusters of cream flowers form. The fruits resemble small pears or apples and ripen towards late summer and autumn, while the foliage can turn yellow or orange-red.

It reaches 10 to 20 m with slow to moderate growth. It accepts sun or part shade on dry to cool, well-drained soil, and needs low watering once established. During establishment and droughts, supplemental waterings are advisable, followed by partial drying. It tolerates medium humidity and USDA 5–9 frosts, keeping a better balance in well-aerated ground without continuously retained moisture.

At Ornacom we cultivate each specimen directly, guaranteeing a balanced size and abundant flowering from the first years of planting.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so any visitor can see at a glance whether the plant suits their climate and garden.

Cultivation

Exposure

Full sun or part shade

Watering

ORN-RIEGO 2/5 · low — supplemental watering during establishment and drought; let dry out partially

Soil / moisture

Dry to cool; well drained

Flowering

Late spring and summer

Climate

USDA hardiness

Zones 5 – 9

Compatible climates

Csa, Csb, Cfb, Cfa

Humid climate tolerance

ORN-HUM 3/5 · medium

Maintenance

Growth

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 10–20 m · slow to moderate growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sap-sucking/boring insects and leaf or root fungi; watch for water stress

Fertilising

ORN-ABONO 2/5 · low — prioritise soil and organic matter; fertilise in spring only based on analysis and vigour

  • Warning

Slow growth and susceptible to fire blight.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so any visitor can see at a glance whether the plant suits their climate and garden.

Cultivation

Exposure

Full sun or part shade

Watering

ORN-RIEGO 2/5 · low — supplemental watering during establishment and drought; let dry out partially

Soil / moisture

Dry to cool; well drained

Flowering

Late spring and summer

Climate

USDA hardiness

Zones 5 – 9

Compatible climates

Csa, Csb, Cfb, Cfa

Humid climate tolerance

ORN-HUM 3/5 · medium

Maintenance

Growth

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 10–20 m · slow to moderate growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sap-sucking/boring insects and leaf or root fungi; watch for water stress

Fertilising

ORN-ABONO 2/5 · low — prioritise soil and organic matter; fertilise in spring only based on analysis and vigour

  • Warning

Slow growth and susceptible to fire blight.

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