Mountain ash 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' Sorbus 'Lombarts Golden Wonder'

Water

Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' prefers to be watered deeply, but it does not require frequent watering once established. Aim to provide the tree with 1 to 2 gallons of water per week during dry periods, reducing this amount during cooler or rainy seasons. Ensure that the soil around the tree is moist but not waterlogged, as good drainage is important to prevent root rot. During the first growing season, it's recommended to water the tree more regularly to help establish a strong root system. Water the soil directly at the base of the tree, avoiding getting water on the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Light

Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. This tree should be planted in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this may stunt its growth and diminish the vibrancy of its foliage and fruit.

Temperature

Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it fares best in conditions that are neither too hot nor too cold. The tree is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 85°F, though the ideal range is between 50°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It's important to ensure that the tree is not exposed to sudden extreme temperature changes, particularly frosts, which can damage young foliage and fruit.

Pruning

Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' should be pruned to maintain a strong structure and to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant and before new growth begins. This allows for better visibility of the tree's structure and reduces the chance of disease transmission. Annual pruning also encourages the production of healthy new growth and can enhance the tree’s overall appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' is well-drained, loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth and health of the tree.

Repotting

Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. It is usually planted directly into the ground where it can thrive for many years without the need to repot.

Humidity & Misting

Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' tree is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. It grows well in the natural outdoor environment where humidity varies.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Rowan 'Lombarts Golden Wonder' is unsuitable for indoor growth due to its size.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of 'Lombarts Golden Wonder', commonly known as Rowan or Mountain Ash, begins with seed germination, occurring in moist, well-drained soil with stratification to break seed dormancy. As a juvenile, the seedling develops into a young tree with a straight stem and branching habit, relying on sufficient sunlight and water to establish a robust root system. The maturation stage sees the rowan becoming a fully-grown tree, featuring pinnate leaves and, in spring to early summer, abundant clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the tree produces its characteristic orange-red berries by late summer or early autumn, which are favored by birds, aiding in seed dispersal. With the onset of cooler temperatures, the foliage often turns to vibrant autumnal hues before leaf fall, completing the annual cycle. The tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy for the following growth season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter to Early Spring

• The Rowan tree, specifically the 'Lombarts Golden Wonder', is most effectively propagated through grafting, which is particularly popular due to its ability to reproduce the exact characteristics of the parent plant. Grafting should ideally be carried out in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. Scion wood, which is a piece of last year's growth, is cut to a length of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). This scion is then grafted onto a compatible rootstock, typically from the same genus, to ensure compatibility and vigorous growth. The graft union is secured with grafting tape and allowed to heal over time, creating a new Rowan tree that is genetically identical to 'Lombarts Golden Wonder'. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the success of the graft, including shielding the new plant from extreme weather conditions and ensuring adequate water and nutrients.