Mountain ash 'Eastern Promise' Sorbus 'Eastern Promise'

Water

The Rowan or Mountain Ash tree, specifically the 'Eastern Promise' variety, should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, especially in dry spells, you might need to water more frequently, perhaps increasing to twice a week. Each time, aim to provide about 15 to 20 gallons of water, which should suffice to reach the tree's root system. If you've just planted your Rowan, you'll need to water it every few days to help establish it, gradually reducing frequency as it becomes more established. In the winter, you can reduce watering since the tree will be dormant and the soil retains moisture longer due to lower evaporation rates.

Light

Rowan trees, including 'Eastern Promise', thrive best in full sunlight to partial shade. They require a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For optimal growth and fruit production, place your Rowan in a spot where it will receive ample morning light and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect it from intense heat.

Temperature

The Rowan tree fares well in a range of temperatures and is quite hardy, able to withstand winter lows down to -20°F and summer highs up to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for 'Eastern Promise' is between 60°F and 70°F. These trees are suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, ensuring they can survive the seasonal climate variations within these zones.

Pruning

Prune the Rowan 'Eastern Promise' to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning helps to maintain tree health by removing wood that can harbor diseases or pests. It also improves air circulation and light penetration to the interior of the canopy. The frequency of pruning will depend on the tree's growth rate and shape, but it is generally done annually or as needed to maintain the desired form and health of the tree.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Rowan or Mountain Ash is one that is well-draining and loamy with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or leaf mold can enhance soil fertility and structure, providing optimal conditions for the tree's growth.

Repotting

Rowan trees, including the 'Eastern Promise' variety, are not typically grown in containers and therefore do not require repotting. These trees are best suited for planting directly in the ground.

Humidity & Misting

The Rowan or Mountain Ash tree, including the 'Eastern Promise' cultivar, is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels when planted outdoors in its preferred climate zones.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not advised for indoors; requires full sun, adequate space.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, space to accommodate growth.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The Rowan or Mountain Ash 'Eastern Promise' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires stratification, a process of cold treatment to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, growing into a young sapling with characteristic pinnate leaves. As the sapling matures, it develops into a tree with a sturdy trunk and a branching canopy, flowering typically after a few years. The flowers are hermaphroditic, creamy white, and arranged in dense clusters, leading to pollination by insects. Following pollination, bright orange or red berries called pomes ripen, providing food for birds and resulting in seed dispersal. Finally, after many years, the tree reaches the senescence stage, where growth slows and the plant eventually dies, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The Sorbus 'Eastern Promise', commonly known as the Eastern Promise Rowan, is typically propagated by seed or less commonly by cuttings. The most popular method of propagation for the Eastern Promise Rowan is by seed. Seeds are best sown in the fall, immediately after harvest, to allow for natural stratification through the winter months. To successfully propagate by seed, one must first collect the berries, then extract the seeds by macerating the berries and washing them in water. The clean seeds can then be sown about 1/2 inch deep into a well-draining seed starting mix. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as the seeds require consistent moisture to germinate. Seedlings usually emerge in the spring and can be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.