Sorbus aucuparia Alaja Krupnaja - Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia 'Alaja Krupnaja' is a Russian variety of Rowan that can be considered both an ornamental plant and a fruit tree. It forms a small to medium-sized tree with a rounded crown, whose branches are adorned with dark green compound leaves. In spring, it produces decorative white flowering in large umbels, which stand out well against the dark foliage. From September, clusters of red berries ripen, adding decorative appeal to this plant. They are edible and pleasant to taste. The foliage takes on beautiful autumnal colours of yellow-orange before falling. It is very hardy and easy to cultivate in most situations.

The Rowan is a member of the very large family of Rosaceae (approximately 5000 species), which includes both wild plants, such as brambles, ornamental plants (Filipendula, Photinia...) and most of our fruit trees (Pear, Peach...), some of which, like this Rowan, are also ornamental. The genus Sorbus, within which we distinguish the Rowans, with compound leaves, and the Service trees, with simple leaves, comprises over a hundred species. The rowan tree, or Sorbus aucuparia, is a boreal species, found in northern Europe up to Iceland, and in Asia, as far as Siberia and Japan. Often living less than 100 years, it forms a tree with an elegant pyramidal habit, usually less than 10 m tall, but occasionally exceeding 15 m.
'Alaja Krupnaja' is a variety with poorly known heritage; it may be a hybrid of Rowan X Pear, even though its general appearance is close to the botanical species. As an adult, the tree adopts a spreading and rounded crown, of medium density, pyramidal shape, wide and regular, reaching 5 to 6 m in height and 3 to 4 m in width. Slowing its growth after 20 m, it can nevertheless continue to rise and eventually reach a height of around ten metres. The branches bear odd-pinnate leaves, which means they are composed of leaflets in an odd number, arranged oppositely two by two along the leaf rib, with a single leaflet terminating the end of it. The leaflets have an elliptical shape and are finely toothed. They are a rather dark, slightly glossy green on the upper side, while the underside is paler, almost whitish, due to a downy covering.
This somewhat dark foliage highlights the flowering that appears from mid-May. Umbels of about 15 cm in diameter, consisting of small cream-white flowers, then form on the tree. They are decorative and honey-producing, giving this plant a utilitarian status for wildlife and honeybees. As this variety is self-fertile, the flowers develop each year, after 2 or 3 years of planting, into relatively large fruits for the species. The spherical berries measure 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter, grouped in large, clearly visible and ornamental clusters with their bright red colour, sometimes barely tinged with orange. These fruits, which ripen in September, have firm and juicy flesh; they are sweet-sour, sweet with a barely perceptible hint of bitterness. They can be eaten raw or made into jams, compotes, or jellies, or even as liqueur. This very fertile Rowan offers a magnificent end-of-season display adorned with these vibrant fruits, which are also enjoyed by birds.
Autumn is further enhanced by the late-season colours in yellow-orange tones, before the foliage falls, heralding the arrival of winter. In our climates, this will not harm this extremely hardy tree, which is also capable of adapting to most soils.

Rowan 'Alaja Krupnaja' is perfectly suited for small areas, particularly small urban gardens, due to its dimensions, and also because it withstands air pollution well. Its somewhat wild appearance and contribution to biodiversity make it an excellent choice for a country garden with a natural style. You can then associate it with other plants that share the same qualities, such as Amelanchier canadensis, a superb bush offering a lavish white spring flowering, followed by small red and then black berries, edible and enjoyed by birds, while its green foliage takes on stunning autumnal colours of red, yellow, orange, and purple. A botanical rose will blend naturally into your pastoral scene, such as the remarkable Rosa moyesii 'Geranium', with a bushy habit and producing simple cherry-red flowers in June, enhanced by a golden centre. In autumn, they produce large bright orange fruits that birds adore. Of course, other fruit trees can join your decor, Apple tree, Pear tree, Cherry tree, from which you will enjoy the fruits in spring or during winter...