These shrubby trees are very hardy. They can withstand winters typical of southern Canada (zone 2). They will survive in regions where winter temperatures dip to –35° F or more.
Mountain ashes like either sun or light shade. Of course, the more sun, the more splendid the autumn shows of fruit and foliage. They are not particular about soil, tolerating anything from coarse to fine to clay with poor drainage. They seem to accept anything from acid to neutral (pH 5.1 to 7.0).
Showy mountain ash trees have shallow, fibrous root systems which means they transplant easily. In the spring choose from the nursery young trees whose roots are balled and burlapped.