Fruit tree comparisons
Common Rowan |  Red Sentinel |  Victoria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rowan or Mountain Ash, native to most parts of the UK. The leaves turn golden red in autumn, accompanied by clusters of red berries. One of the largest species of Sorbus. | Malus Red Sentinel has classic white blossom and a profusion of tiny scarlet persistent fruits. | Victoria is the definitive English plum, attractive fruit, good for eating, outstanding flavour for cooking. | |
| remove | remove | remove |
Growing
Common Rowan | Crab apple trees Red Sentinel | Plum trees Victoria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardening skill | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Self-fertility | Self-fertile | Self-fertile | |
| Flowering group | 2 | 3 | |
| Pollinating others | Good | Good | |
| Ploidy | Diploid | ||
| Climate suitability | Temperate climates Mild damp climates | Temperate climates | |
| Wildlife | Attractive to birds RHS Plants for Pollinators | Attractive to birds | RHS Plants for Pollinators |
Using
Common Rowan | Crab apple trees Red Sentinel | Plum trees Victoria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picking season | Late | Mid | |
| Keeping (of fruit) | 1 week | ||
| Cropping | Heavy | ||
| Food uses | Culinary | Culinary | Eating fresh Culinary Dual purpose |
| Cling-stone | Freestone |
Problems
Common Rowan | Crab apple trees Red Sentinel | Plum trees Victoria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disease resistance | Good | Good | Poor |
| Silverleaf | Very susceptible |
Identification
Common Rowan | Crab apple trees Red Sentinel | Plum trees Victoria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom | ||
| Period of origin | 1800 - 1849 | ||
| Flowering month | May June | ||
| Blossom colour | White | White | White |
| Fruit colour | Red | Red | Red |
| Awards | RHS AGM (current) RHS AM | RHS AGM (current) |