Sorbus aria Lutescens

Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' is a variety that stands out for its compact habit and its striking silver-grey foliage! It quickly forms a small tree reaching 12m (40 ft) in height and 6m (20 ft) in width, with a pyramidal crown, perfectly suited for small gardens. Its main asset is its deciduous foliage, bright silvery grey or creamy white in spring, turning silvery green-grey during the year.  It also bears spring flowers in large silky white corymbs, interesting for attracting pollinators, which are followed by edible round orange-red berries appreciated by birds. This very robust and aesthetic species can tolerate all types of soil, even chalky, dry and poor ones! Ideal for a country-style hedge or on its own to brighten up a dark garden.

Sorbus aria, also known as Whitebeam or Common Whitebeam, belongs to the Rosaceae family. Sorbus aria is native to the southern slopes of central, western and southern Europe. This species can be found as far north as Sweden and Great Britain. The 'Lutescens' variety forms a deciduous small tree that quickly reaches 12m (40 ft) in height and 6m (20 ft) in maximum spread. It has a fairly compact, pyramidal habit. The deciduous leaves, measuring 8 to 14cm (3 to 6 in), are ovate, almost round, initially silver-grey and then shiny silver-grey on the top, silver and downy on the underside, giving the tree a sparkling appearance in the wind. Flowering occurs in May-June, in the form of small white flowers measuring 1.5cm (0.6 in), clustered in terminal corymbs. It is followed by orange-red fruits measuring 1.2cm (0.5 in) with a mealy pulp, which birds love. They can also be eaten over-ripe or cooked into jams and brandies. Its bark is grey-brown, and in young specimens it is grey and covered with lenticels.

Plant the Common Whitebeam in any soil, from moist to dry, acid to neutral to alkaline. It will thrive in both full sun and partial shade. This small tree has no specific requirements. As its root system is deep, it is advisable to plant it far away from buildings, walkways and terraces. If necessary, perform maintenance pruning before the start of vegetation, removing diseased or dead wood and crossed branches. Occasionally aphids, red spiders or scale insects may attack this tree. It may also be affected by canker, rot and bacterial fire blight. The Common Whitebeam is suitable for informal hedges, thickets and shady areas. It can also be planted as a standalone tree. It is full of charm and can be welcomed in small or large gardens. It can be integrated into a natural hedge, accompanied by tall shrubs such as Sea Buckthorn, 'Cornubia' Cotoneaster, Euonymus myrianthus, or Persian Ironwood.

Sorbus means "to drink" in Latin, alluding to the very astringent fruits of the type species, which make one thirsty. The wood of the Whitebeam is very fine and is used in cabinetmaking and turning. Aria (Arie) is the name of a province in ancient Persia, located east of Persia and northwest of India, which corresponds in the present day to Herat, a province in western Afghanistan. It is also the botanical name given to the Whitebeam. The crossbreeding of the Whitebeam with the Common Pear has given rise to an intergeneric hybrid named x Sorbopyrus auricularis with delicious fruits.