Japanese Rowan Tree | Sorbus commixta 'Dodong'
An autumn colour powerhouse
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
2 Year Old Tree in a 9L Pot
120-150cm inc. pot on arrival
Choose your size
In stock
Order before midday for next day delivery
Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Japanese Rowan Tree
Sorbus commixta 'Dodong'
- Rising like a torch of fire into the autumn sky, it's no wonder this cultivar earned its alternative moniker, 'Olympic Flame'. A columnar tree whose vivid red and orange foliage sets the sky ablaze later in the year, 'Dodong' is unquestionably one of the finest Japanese Rowans out there.
- Prior to this burning display, the tree produces dainty white flower corymbs (clusters) which look wonderful set against the backdrop of lush green foliage.
- In autumn, the tree bears shiny red berries which the birds simply can't get enough of!
- With its impressive ornamental features, you'd be forgiven for thinking this tree was style over substance, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Fully hardy in nature, 'Dodong' will easily withstand whatever the British winter can throw at it.
- This Japanese Rowan cultivar has been awarded the RHS's Award of Garden Merit, demonstrating its excellent performance in British gardens.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Japanese Rowan Tree can be grown in a large container (50-60cm). It is generally fine long-term but will need regular feeding and watering. Protect from extreme heat above 30°C.
How big does it get?
The Japanese Rowan Tree 'Dodong' typically reaches a height of 8 to 10 metres, with a spread of 5 to 6 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Japanese Rowan Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Japanese Rowan Tree prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but is quite adaptable to most soil types including clay, loam, and chalk. It tolerates winter ground temperatures down to -10°C. Plant in a hole at least 50cm wide for best results.
How much watering does this plant need?
Japanese Rowan Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Japanese Rowan Tree requires minimal pruning; simply remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood in late winter or early spring.
How hardy is this plant?
Sorbus commixta 'Dodong' is fully hardy throughout the UK with an RHS rating of H6, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
What customers say about us
We do our best to provide you the best experience ever
Learn from our experts
For growing advice that's clear and easy to follow
What customers say about us
We do our best to provide you the best experience ever
Fighting plastic waste
Delivering fresh from the nursery
Supporting UK growers





