Sorbus ‘Purple Magic’

We’re always looking for plants that offer something a bit different, and Sorbus ‘Purple Magic’ fits the bill. In spring, it’s covered in simple, classic white flowers which are a welcome sight after winter. But the real show begins in autumn, when the tree produces clusters of remarkable purple-red berries, a colour you don’t often see in a Rowan.

This is a small, deciduous tree that is easy to place in most gardens. It reaches around four metres tall after ten years, so it won’t cast too much shade. We’ve found it to be reliably hardy and disease-free on the nursery. It will do best in a spot with well-drained soil.

Sorbus are generally low-maintenance trees. Give it a good start with decent soil and regular water in its first year. Once established, it largely looks after itself. It’s a fine choice for planting in a mixed border or as a standalone specimen where you can really appreciate the seasonal changes.