Sorbus aucuparia Krasnaja Krupnaja - Rowan

The Mountain Ash 'Krasnaja Krupnaja', known as Sorbus aucuparia in Latin, is a large fruiting bush appreciated for its abundant and delicious red berries. This cultivar, originating from Russia, is extremely hardy and resistant to diseases and frost. Its edible fruits have a sour-sweet flavour, without bitterness, and are used to make jams, juices, and enjoyed fresh. This variety also has a beautiful decorative value with its spring flowering and autumn foliage. The plant is self-fertile, meaning it does not need a partner to bear fruit.

The classic Mountain Ash is a tree belonging to the rose family that can reach about fifteen metres in height. In the wild, it grows in hedges, along roadsides, or at the edge of woods. Its natural range covers a large part of Europe, Russia, temperate Asia, and extends to Japan. Its great hardiness and tolerance to various natural conditions, whether it be soil or climate, explain its ability to spread. In the countryside, its berries feed wild birds.
As a member of the large Rose family, there are dozens of species, with Sorbus aucuparia being one of the most common.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Krasnaja Krupnaja' is a fruit cultivar originating from Russia. This moderately growing mountain ash usually reaches a height of 4 m. It develops a widely conical crown and slightly pendulous branches. Flowering occurs in May in the form of white flowers grouped in umbels measuring 12 to 15 cm in diameter. This honey-producing and nectar-rich flowering attracts and nourishes many pollinating insects. The large red berries measuring 2 cm in diameter, appear in clusters weighing 200 to 300 grams. They are harvested from late August to early September. They have a pleasantly sour-sweet flavour, without bitterness, and can be stored for 3 to 4 months. The foliage is green in summer and takes on interesting autumnal shades of yellow, orange, or red. The bark is smooth and grey, making it quite decorative even in winter. This mountain ash 'Krasnaja Krupnaja' prefers to be planted in full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade for part of the day. It is not very demanding in terms of soil.

The Mountain Ash 'Krasnaja Krupnaja' is primarily cultivated for its fruits, which are used to make juice, jams, and compotes. However, its decorative value should not be underestimated. Its white flowers in May and its persistent red fruits, which are loved by birds, add colour and life to the garden. It can be planted as a specimen or in groups, and pairs particularly well with other shrubs such as Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas), Black Elder 'Haidegg 17' (Sambucus nigra), Hazelnut 'Rode Zellernoot' (Corylus avellana), and Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa).