Sorbus subvestita Plant Care

Sorbus subvestita Greene

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Sorbus decora, commonly known as the northern mountain ash, showy mountain-ash, Greenland mountain-ash, and dogberry, is a species of deciduous shrub or very small tree native to northeastern North America.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

0–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Sorbus subvestita?

Plant Sorbus subvestita in full sun to partial shade and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 0–90°F (-18–32°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Sorbus subvestita Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Sorbus subvestita?

Sorbus subvestita (Sorbus subvestita) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Sorbus genus. Sorbus subvestita is native to northeastern North America.

Sorbus subvestita displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Sorbus subvestita produces clusters of white or pink flowers in spring.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Sorbus subvestita?

Water a young or newly planted Sorbus subvestita every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Sorbus subvestita Need?

Sorbus subvestita thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sorbus subvestita Prefer?

Sorbus subvestita tolerates temperatures of 0–90°F. Sorbus subvestita prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

0–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sorbus subvestita?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Sorbus subvestita to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Sorbus subvestita?

Feed Sorbus subvestita every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Sorbus subvestita?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Sorbus subvestita?

Sorbus subvestita can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Sorbus subvestita?

Prune Sorbus subvestita while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Sorbus subvestita in Winter?

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Sorbus subvestita?

Sorbus subvestita can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rowan plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Sorbus subvestita Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Sorbus subvestita, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sorbus subvestita?

Sorbus subvestita is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Keep exploring plants

Sorbus subvestita is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Sorbus genus — compare its care with other Sorbus species on PlantoScan.

Sorbus is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.

Sorbus subvestita thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Sorbus Species

Other Sorbus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Sorbus subvestita Greene, family Rosaceae (first published in Pittonia 4(22): 130. 1900 [2 Mar 1900]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sorbus subvestita, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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