Sorbus 'DODONG' whitebeam

Whitebeams domesticated in our landscape a long time ago and do well. Some are showy, others are more useful than pretty, yet worth growing. Dodong is a variety which originated from seeds that were collected on Korean island Ullung Do in 1976. The tree was named after its port town. It is believed to be a sorbus commixta hybrid.

Dodong is a whitebeam grown for its attractive foliage and fruit. The pinnate leaves are up to 25 cm long and composed of 15-17 lace-shaped, tapered, mid green and glossy leaflets. They gradually turn fantastic shades in autumn - from rich red margins and golden orange centres to red leaves all over.

In May appear large corymbs of creamy white flowers that are followed by scarlet red fruit in late summer which look especially exquisite on the background of lush green foliage. The fruit is not classified as edible since the seeds may contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide (as in bitter almonds), therefore the fruit is not recommended for mass consumption. However, to be absolutely objective, the same is said about fruit of s.aucuparia which is commonly cultivated as an edible fruit tree.

Whitebeam will grow almost everywhere. It likes well-drained, preferably acid soil for best autumn colours. Dodong grows fast into an upright tree with broadly oval crown with open top. Pruning should be limited to avoid fungi infections. Its is hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 22-01-2019