• A Sorbus Aria Lutescens in a black nursery pot, standing in a greenhouse aisle with rows of other plants in the background.
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Sorbus Aria Lutescens

Sorbus Aria Lutescens

Silver Whitebeam

$140.00
$140.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Pot Size/Grade

Sorbus aria 'Lutescens', commonly known as the Whitebeam 'Lutescens', is a magnificent deciduous ornamental tree admired for its spectacular silvery-white spring foliage. As the new leaves emerge, they are covered in soft white hairs, giving the entire tree a shimmering appearance that almost glows in the landscape. As the season progresses, the foliage matures to an attractive grey-green with distinctive silvery undersides that flutter beautifully in the breeze.

Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in spring, followed by ornamental orange-red berries that attract native birds in autumn. With its broad, rounded canopy and excellent tolerance of wind, dry conditions and urban environments, 'Lutescens' makes an outstanding specimen tree for streets, parks and home gardens throughout New Zealand.

Why You'll Love Sorbus aria 'Lutescens'

  • Spectacular silvery-white new foliage in spring
  • Attractive grey-green leaves with silvery undersides
  • Clusters of creamy-white spring flowers
  • Decorative orange-red berries in autumn
  • Excellent autumn foliage colour
  • Hardy and drought tolerant once established
  • Bird-friendly ornamental berries
  • Ideal feature or avenue tree


  • Expected 5 Year Height 2.5 M Width 2.0 M

Is Sorbus Aria Lutescens suitable for my garden?

Sorbus Aria Lutescens is best suited in a position that gets

  • Full sun
  • Partial shade

Sorbus Aria Lutescens is

  • Wind Tolerant
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Coastal Friendly
  • Deciduous
  • Drought resistant
  • Cold hardy
  • Drought resistant once established

Sorbus Aria Lutescens will thrive in soil that is

  • Clay
  • Chalky
  • Sandy
  • Free draining

How to establish your Sorbus Aria Lutescens?

Plant Whitebeam 'Lutescens' in full sun for the best foliage colour and strongest growth.

For best performance:

Choose an open position with plenty of sunlight.
Allow room for the mature canopy to develop.
Suitable for exposed sites thanks to its excellent wind tolerance.

How to maintain your Sorbus Aria Lutescens once established?

Water deeply once or twice a week during the first summer, depending on rainfall, to encourage a strong root system.

Once established, 'Lutescens' is relatively drought tolerant and usually only requires watering during prolonged dry periods.

Feed in early spring with:

Compost or well-rotted organic matter around the root zone.
A balanced slow-release fertiliser if required.

Healthy soils generally provide all the nutrients this tree needs.

Very little pruning is required.

Simply:

Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches during winter.
Lightly shape young trees to develop a strong framework.
Avoid heavy pruning, as the tree naturally develops an attractive canopy.

Whitebeam 'Lutescens' is exceptionally hardy and thrives in cool temperate climates.

It tolerates:

Heavy frosts
Snow
Cold winters
Windy conditions

No winter protection is normally required once established.

Sorbus aria is generally a healthy, reliable tree.

Occasionally inspect for:

Aphids on new growth
Scale insects
Leaf spot during prolonged damp conditions

Maintaining good airflow and removing fallen diseased leaves will minimise problems.

Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' is ideal for:

Feature trees
Avenue planting
Lifestyle blocks
Large home gardens
Parks
Streetscapes
Rural entrances
Shelter planting with ornamental appeal

Its striking silver foliage makes it a standout specimen throughout spring and early summer.
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