Crataegosorbus Grananatnaja

The Sorbus 'Grananatnaja', also known as 'Granatnaja', is a hybrid between the Sorbus tree, Sorbus aucuparia, and the Crataegus sanguinea, the Siberian Hawthorn. It is also called x Crataegosorbus. This rare small tree resembles a Sorbus, but its spring flowering in white umbels is reminiscent of the Hawthorn. Its original fruits, in clusters of dark red berries, are edible and tasty. They have a tangy yellow flesh, rich in vitamins and carotene. Very hardy, it is adaptable to different soils and climates.

As a member of the large Rosaceae family, there are dozens of Sorbus species, with the Sorbus aucuparia being one of the most common. The Siberian Hawthorn or Crataegus sanguinea is native to southern Siberia, the far north of China, and Mongolia. It produces edible fruits in red berries.

x Crataegosorbus 'Grananatnaja' is a compact hybrid variety, reaching about 3 to 4 m in height with an equivalent width. It originates from Eastern Europe and was obtained by Ivan Michurin. The flowering in white umbels, about 14 cm in diameter, appears around May-June and attracts bees. The flowers then give numerous clusters of very decorative dark red fruits. Their flesh is yellow, juicy, tangy, of good taste quality, and rich in vitamins and carotene. They can be consumed fresh, as juice, or cooked in jam or jelly. Otherwise, they delight birds that feed on them until the end of the year. In autumn, the foliage takes on a yellow to red colour, depending on the conditions.
This hybrid Sorbus prefers to be planted in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade for part of the day. It is not demanding in terms of soil and can thrive in poor soil. Similarly, it can adapt to both moist and dry soils without excess.

This 'Grananatnaja' hybrid Sorbus is suitable for small to medium-sized gardens, or even in large spaces in the company of larger trees. A variegated maple tree or a beautiful purple oak can serve as a contrasting background. In a smaller garden or planted in a mixed border, it can be paired with shrubs such as Cotinus 'Golden Spirit', whose bright golden foliage will be enhanced by the grey-green of the Sorbus, or shrubs with decorative berries of various colours for a cocktail of colours (Callicarpa, Snowberry, etc.).