Diseased Sorbus - treatable?
shinygirl
Posts: 5
Can anyone help diagnose the problem with my Sorbus and let me know if it's treatable?
I bought a Sorbus Autumn Spire last year (August) and had it delivered. Within two weeks of it’s arrival, it lost all of it’s leaves. I phoned the plant nursery (Thompsons) and asked about this, and was told that it was because it was in a pot and it had just lost it’s leaves early, and that wasn't unusual.
I planted the tree, and in the Spring it was apparent that the top of the tree had completely died back, but there was fresh growth from the bottom. Again, I asked about this, and was told that the tree was guaranteed so it would be best to see what develops.
The new growth keeps dying back, and the tips of the new branches are starting to blacken and die back.
I wanted to give this tree a chance, so have left it for a year, but feel that there has been something wrong with this poor tree from the start. 
Instead of digging it up and returning it, I’m enclosing some photos. If this is treatable, that would be super, as I’d like to give this tree every chance, so perhaps you can advise. Failing that, it's back to Thomspsons.
Last edited: 03 August 2017 14:44:08
Posts
http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/problem-solving/what-is-affecting-my-rowan-tree/1003550.html
this is another thread about the same cultivar, ?same problem.
The top of your tree is dead shinygirl and I wonder if the growth at the base is from the root-stock which is the species Sorbus aucuparia by the look of it.
You won't get a decent Sorbus 'Autumn Spire' tree from what you have there. Rootstock or no, once a tree has lost its tree shape you don't get it back.
In the sticks near Peterborough
We were thinking of planting Sorbus Eastern Promise. We have had Fireblight. Are they particularly prone to it?
Thanks for your reply Nutcutlet, much appreciated. I think I'll be returning this then.