Sorbus coxii
Sorbus coxii
Cox’s Whitebeam
★
Description
Sorbus coxii, often called Cox’s whitebeam, is a handsome small to medium deciduous tree prized for its silver-backed, deeply veined leaves, frothy white spring flowers, and showy orange‑red berries that birds adore. It’s a refined, wildlife-friendly choice for cool temperate gardens.
Common Names
Cox’s WhitebeamCox’s RowanChinese WhitebeamMountain Ash (whitebeam group)
Context
nativeRegion
Southwest China (notably Yunnan and surrounding areas).
usdaZones
6-8
companionPlants
Amelanchier, Betula, Viburnum, Cotoneaster, Helleborus, Galanthus, Narcissus
culturalUses
Ornamental street and garden tree; valued for spring bloom, silvered foliage, and bird-feeding berries; supports pollinators and wildlife.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to light shade; best flowering and fruiting in full sun.
WateringRegular while establishing; thereafter moderate. Keep evenly moist in dry spells and avoid waterlogging.
SoilMoist, well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates light clay if drained. pH neutral to slightly alkaline; benefits from organic matter.
FertilizerApply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; top-dress annually with compost or well-rotted leaf mold.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity; no special requirements in temperate climates.
TemperatureHardy in USDA Zones 6–8; prefers cool summers and cold winters.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous small to medium tree with an upright to broadly rounded crown.
Mature Size25–40 ft tall, 15–25 ft wide.
Growth RateModerate growth rate.
BloomingLate spring (May–June) clusters of white flowers; berries color orange‑red from late summer into autumn.
DormancyDeciduous; goes dormant in winter.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (cold stratification), Semi-ripe cuttings, Grafting onto Sorbus rootstock
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonSow seed in autumn; take semi-ripe cuttings mid–late summer; graft in late winter.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal; prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain structure. Avoid heavy summer pruning.
RepottingSeldom container-grown long term; if in a pot when young, move to a larger container every 2–3 years in spring or plant out.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally resilient but can encounter fire blight, scab, canker, aphids (including woolly aphid), sawfly, scale, and borers. Ensure good air flow and avoid drought stress.
ToxicityLow toxicity. Raw berries are astringent and can upset the stomach; seeds contain cyanogenic compounds—avoid ingestion in quantity by pets/children.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.