Swedish Whitebeam Sorbus intermedia

Water

The Swedish Whitebeam, or Sorbus intermedia, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the water reaches the roots effectively. During the growing season, watering once a week with about 1.5 gallons of water is generally sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging the soil as this can lead to root rot.

Light

The Swedish Whitebeam prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives best when it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sun and some protection from the harsh afternoon sun would be ideal. Avoid deeply shaded areas as insufficient light can impair growth and reduce foliage density.

Temperature

Swedish Whitebeams are cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F but may struggle in regions where temperatures consistently rise above 85°F. Ideally, they should be grown in areas where the average temperature ranges between 50°F and 75°F. They are adaptable to a variety of climatic conditions but should be protected from extreme heat.

Pruning

Prune the Swedish Whitebeam, or Sorbus intermedia, to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation within the canopy. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Aim to prune every two to three years to encourage the growth of new shoots and to maintain a strong, healthy tree structure.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) prefers well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility. A soil mix suitable for this plant would be comprised of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand, which aids in drainage. The ideal pH for the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5, catering to a slightly acidic to neutral range.

Repotting

Swedish Whitebeam trees do not typically require frequent repotting as they are more commonly planted outdoors. They should be repotted or replanted when they outgrow their current space, which may not be on a regular schedule. However, if grown in containers, young trees might need repotting every 2 to 3 years to encourage growth.

Humidity & Misting

Swedish Whitebeam trees are adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions, thriving in average outdoor humidity levels. They are capable of growing in both drier conditions and areas with higher humidity, making them versatile in different environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Swedish Whitebeams are unsuitable for indoor growth due to size.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun or partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Sorbus intermedia, commonly known as Swedish whitebeam, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in spring after stratification through winter cold. The seedling emerges and, with sufficient light and water, grows into a juvenile tree, developing a strong taproot and a rosette of leaves in its first year. As it matures, the tree undergoes vegetative growth, forming a sturdy trunk and branching structure, and becomes reproductive within 5 to 10 years, flowering in late spring with creamy-white blossoms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into red or orange pomes (small apple-like fruits) by autumn, which are then dispersed by birds and other animals. The tree reaches maturity and continues to produce fruit annually, contributing to the propagation of the species. It has a typical lifespan ranging from 50 to 150 years, after which the tree dies and decomposes, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting further plant growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Swedish Whitebeam, which is known scientifically as Sorbus intermedia, is via seed. The best time for seed sowing is in late fall or early spring after stratification, which is a cold treatment process to overcome the seeds' dormancy by exposing them to temperatures near freezing for about 60 to 90 days (approximately 2 to 3 months). Sowing should be done in well-draining soil with light cover, as the seeds need some light for germination, and kept moist. It generally takes one to two years for seedlings to become large enough to transplant. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the delicate roots during transplantation.