Sorbus Dodong / Olympic Flame

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sorbus ‘Dodong’, an exceptional Korean mountain ash that brings unparalleled autumn drama to Irish gardens with its spectacular fiery foliage display that truly lives up to its ‘Olympic Flame’ name. This outstanding compact tree offers exceptional four-season interest—delicate spring flowers, elegant summer foliage, abundant orange-red berries, and one of the most spectacular autumn colour displays of any tree, transforming from green to brilliant shades of orange, scarlet, and crimson that seem to glow like flames.

In late spring, this captivating tree produces abundant clusters of creamy-white flowers that create a delicate lacy effect against the fresh green pinnate foliage. By late summer, clusters of bright orange-red berries develop, providing vibrant colour and valuable food for birds and wildlife. The elegant compound leaves, each composed of numerous leaflets, create fine-textured foliage throughout summer. As autumn arrives, the true magic unfolds—the entire canopy transforms into a spectacular blaze of orange, red, and crimson that intensifies over several weeks, creating one of the most stunning seasonal displays in the Irish landscape. The neat, upright habit and moderate size make this perfect for smaller gardens.

Named ‘Dodong’ after its Korean origins and marketed as ‘Olympic Flame’ for its spectacular fiery autumn display, this remarkable cultivar represents one of the finest compact mountain ash varieties for contemporary gardens. Exceptionally hardy and adaptable, this Korean native thrives in Irish conditions, tolerating exposed sites, urban pollution, and a wide range of soil types whilst delivering reliable performance and spectacular seasonal interest year after year.

Create stunning compositions by planting as specimen trees in lawns where the autumn colour can be fully appreciated, or use in mixed borders as focal points. Magnificent in small groups for wildlife gardens, in contemporary urban spaces where its compact size suits restricted areas, or combined with evergreens like yew and holly that provide contrasting backdrop to the autumn flames. Underplant with spring bulbs, ferns, and shade-tolerant perennials for year-round layered interest.

Planting: Space trees 4-5m apart for groupings, or allow 5-6m for specimen planting. Plant bare-root trees from November to March, or container-grown specimens year-round (autumn or early spring is ideal). Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate well-rotted compost or manure. Plant at the same depth as the nursery soil mark. Stake for the first 2-3 years. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers moisture-retentive conditions enriched with organic matter. Avoid only extremely waterlogged or very dry, shallow soils. Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil structure. Tolerates exposed sites and urban conditions. Best autumn colour develops in full sun.

Container Growing: Suitable for large containers (minimum 60-80cm diameter) for several years using quality soil-based compost enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during growing season, ensuring containers don’t dry out completely. Feed in spring with slow-release balanced fertiliser. Eventually benefits from planting out for long-term health and to achieve full ornamental potential and spectacular autumn colour.

Seasonal Care: Requires minimal pruning—only remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter when dormant. Maintain an open crown structure to showcase the elegant branching habit. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with well-rotted compost to retain moisture and improve soil fertility. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially when establishing. Generally pest and disease-free, though may occasionally be affected by fireblight—remove affected branches promptly.

Propagation: Propagate by grafting onto Sorbus rootstock in late winter (specialist technique). Seed-grown plants will not come true to type and may take many years to display the characteristic autumn colour. Cuttings are difficult and unreliable. Most gardeners prefer to purchase nursery-grown grafted specimens for guaranteed quality, true-to-type characteristics, and reliable spectacular autumn performance.