Whitebeam Tree Options Explained. Click the link for Bare Root Whitebeam
120-150cm: *7-9L pot, 2-3 year old. Usually a feathered shape.
150-180cm: *9-12L pot, 2-3 year old, usually a half standard/lollipop shape.
180-240cm: *12-15L pot, 2-3 years old, usually a half standard/lollipop shape.
*Pot size may vary.
The whitebeam tree (sorbus aria 'Lutescens') is a native, hardy British tree, found commonly in southern England. Its leaves are a spectacular colour in spring when they are a silver-white colour, the undersides being hairy.
Expect creamy white flowers which will attract bees, followed by attractive red berries that appear in small clusters in Autumn. The Whitebeam is considered a medium-sized tree which in horticultural terms means it will grow to around 6 m at 10 years and could stop depending on local conditions or it could carry on to around 12m. Expect the ultimate height to be from 20-50 years which sounds odd, we agree it is but don't tell us, tell the rest of the industry that categorize these trees. The spread of the Whitebeam is usually around 80% of its height so if it gets to 10m tall, expect the spread to be around 8m.
As with most Sorbus trees, the Lutescens berries are suitable for making jellies, just like crab apples and most grow fairly true to type from seed but we don't want you to do that as we lose a sale!
The Whitebeam tree has performed so well that the RHS has given it an Award of Garden Merit. There was probably no red carpet ceremony for this, maybe just a few drinks down the local.
Also considered suitable for Coastal sites. Now when we say coastal, we don't mean planting on the beach waterline at low tide and you come back a few hours later to find your tree submerged.
The Sorbus Whitebeam will be ok for planting in exposed sites, we don't mean the nudist beach either. Exposed sites means one that offers little wind protection. For those sticklers for detail that like to test our commitment to our tree warranty, planting at the end of a runway or wind tunnel invalidate it.
You can also plant the Whitebeam in a clay environment, not inside a pottery in Staffordshire but in the ground! Conversely, the Whitebeam will also tolerate a chalky soil.
Whitebeam Lutescens will grow in full or partial sun in exposed or sheltered locations. These exclude tax, bus and nuclear bomb shelters. Well drained soil that is moderately fertile is ideal. Will also tolerate atmospheric pollution and dry condition. Although the Lutescens will tolerate Acid to Neutral soil, ex car battery dumping grounds and drain cleaner testing laboratories do not count.
As the Whitebeam has so many good qualities it is good for planting in streets, ornamental gardens and parks.
Pruning requirments for the Whitebeam are minimal, just remove dead, diseased or branches that cross over in late Autumn or Winter.
Message card included at no additional cost if required.
Should you require more than one tree then you may want to look at our WHOLESALE MOUNTAIN ASH section.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Whitebeam (Sorbus aria 'Lutescens') Trees
Good afternoon, *Sorbus Lutescens Tree has arrived all in one piece and looks in very good condition, am delighted – just what I wanted and good size, have put it in bucket of water – with this heat! Ready for planting at the weekend. Many thanks Sharne 0820-26110
The two trees arrived this afternoon via Tuffnels and are now planted thanks to a good Samaritan. They look in good health, hopefully I will too. Very many thanks Kind Regards Marilyn L.
Dear Senior Dogsbody, (Alan), Thank you for your hilarious email which has made my day - having sat up all night to watch the result of the Scottish issue it was most welcome. The Whitebeam trees are fine - I am a garden designer and tend to know these things - they were delivered to a neighbour by a non Mensa member who managed to find me two doors away eventually! I will send suitably impressive photos in due course but in the meantime thank you very much for an excellent service.Regards Annette P Nicolls 0914
Just to let you know that the tree I ordered was successfully delivered today. The packaging was a bit battered by the time it arrived, but it can't be easy wrapping or delivering a tree, and the tree itself looks to be a beautiful specimen. I have been very impressed with your friendly website, good prices, prompt delivery and good communication. Thank you very much - keep up the good work! 0114
*Added for transparency and clarity.
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
