Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii

x Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii is a very rare bush in cultivation, discovered in eastern Siberia. This variety is the result of a spontaneous cross-breeding between the Siberian Rowan and the Black-fruited Cotoneaster which grow naturally in this very harsh region. With an upright, sparsely branching habit, the bush is interesting for its woolly young shoots, its deciduous pinnate leaves that take on warm colours in autumn, and its very colourful fruiting which feeds many birds. Of uncommon robustness, this collectors plant can find a place in any garden, as it is as easy to cultivate as it is decorative.

x Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii is the offspring of Sorbus sibirica (a close relative of the Bird Cherry S. aucuparia) and Cotoneaster melanocarpus. It was collected just before 1951 in the upper Aldan Valley, south of Lakhoutsk, in eastern Siberia (Russia) and described in 1953. It bears a species name, pozdnjakovii, derived from the name of the forester who discovered it. This interesting hybrid was introduced to Great Britain in 1958 by Messrs. Hillier.

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, × Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii reaches a height of between 2 and 2.5 m at maturity with a spread of 1 m to 1.50 m. It exhibits a moderately fast growth rate. It is a deciduous bush with an upright habit and weakly branching stems. Its young shoots are covered with a decorative woolly sheath. The leaves, measuring 3 to 7 cm in length, are pinnate like those of the rowan, but the individual leaflets that make them up have the shape of those of the cotoneaster. The terminal leaflet is notably larger than the lateral leaflets. They are green, matte, with a hairy, greyish-white underside, and then take on warm colours ranging from yellow to red in autumn before falling. In spring, between May and June, sparse, cream-white, slightly fragrant inflorescences appear at the top of short leafy shoots. They are pollinated by insects. The dark red or nearly black round fruits measure about 1 cm in width and are juicy. The plant is perfectly adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating almost all types of soil, although it prefers fertile, permeable soils. It is characterised by exceptional frost resistance and is not susceptible to diseases or pests. No pruning is required for its maintenance.

Due to its rarity, this x Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii is particularly intended for collectors and enthusiasts of natural curiosities. However, this bush can find a place in any garden due to its ease of cultivation and decorative appearance. It is suitable for both natural gardens and urban parks and landscapes. Its attractive fruits, in addition to being decorative, provide an excellent food source for various bird species. It can be incorporated into a mixed hedge or a shrub border. With its elegant habit, its colourful autumn leaves, and its attractive fruits, it remains interesting for a good part of the year. It pairs well with all-terrain bushes such as white spireas, Cotoneaster lacteus, Forsythia 'Lynwood', Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Compacta', and the garden mock orange Philadelphus coronarius.