Sorbus hemsleyi John Bond - Whitebeam

Sorbus hemsleyi 'John Bond' is a truly unique mountain ash. It is a large deciduous shrub with an upright habit and remarkable foliage that has been awarded by the R.H.S. in England. This variety stands out for its trailing leaves with a beautiful silver underside and charming white flowers in spring. It is perfect for enhancing a small garden or even a large container on the terrace. Its cold and pollution resistance and its accommodating nature, make this mountain ash an ornamental and versatile plant.

Sorbus hemsleyi 'John Bond' belongs to the Rosaceae family, like all mountain ashes. Selected at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, USA, this tree is named in honour of John Bond, former head gardener at Hillier Gardens in England and keeper of Savill and Valley Gardens. The botanical species, Sorbus hemsleyi, is native to Asia, particularly mountainous regions of China.

This 'John Bond' hemsleyi mountain ash is distinguished by its columnar and compact habit, reaching a height of 4m and a width of 2m after 10 years of cultivation. Its elliptical, trailing, grey-green leaves with prominent veins and a fuzzy light silver underside, twist to reveal their vibrant underside throughout the growing season. They retain this colour until autumn, before falling. In spring, between April and May, the shrub produces clusters of decorative creamy white flowers that attract numerous pollinating insects. In autumn, these flowers give way to small brown fruits. Its brown bark with light lenticels, although less remarkable than its foliage, adds an additional attraction.

Sorbus hemsleyi 'John Bond' is compact and space-saving, perfect for small gardens. This shrub can be used as a standalone specimen or at the centre of a perennial bed, for example. It is also suitable for container gardening on terraces and large balconies. It pairs well with Prunus serrulata 'Sunset Boulevard' (flowering cherry), Malus 'Red Obelisk' (crabapple), Exochorda serratifolia 'Snow White', and Betula pendula 'Fastigiata' (fastigiate white birch). These plants share similar growing conditions, preferring well-drained soil and a sunny or lightly shaded exposure, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing ensemble.