Sorbus 'CHINESE LACE' Kashmir rowan
size/type
small tree,small tree
usual height
4-5m
usual width
2-3m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-May
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Kashmir used to be a principality in the Himalayas known for its extraordinary shawl wool. It was super soft, warm and expensive. Hence, everything connected with the name Kashmir evoked feeling of exotic beauty and high price. Kashmir rowan is a beautiful tree that, luckily, is not an expensive item. Even if it bears name Chinese Lace.
Description of the plant:
It is a lovely small tree with highly decorative foliage. The deciduous leaves are pinnate, composed of 17-21 mid green leaflets where each one is deeply cut to create the perfect lace-like appearance. The best show begins in early autumn when they change colour to golden orange, brilliant carmine red and bright burgundy red. As every rowan it flowers in mid spring with almost flat corymbs composed of tiny white flowers followed by orange-red spherical fruit in autumn that persist long after the tree lost its leaves. It grows at medium growth rate making strong branches forming a symmetrical oval crown that has a nice shape already from young age.
Kashmir rowan is not fussy about soil type. It will grow in almost any well-drained soil and thrive in medium fertile, humus-rich soil, making larger leaves and more flowers. Hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5), probably a lot more.
Last update 11-10-2010
