Known by many names: Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadbush, Snowy Mespilus.
I think Amelanchier is a must-have for any garden.
This is a beautiful plant. It has stunning spring flowers before vivid green leaves appear. Its a treat for birds in mid summer with a display of berries. In the Autumn the leaves turn orange, gold and then red. It has interest throughout the year and I would recommend it for any garden.
Amelanchier is a collection of 20 species of small deciduous trees/shrubs, in the family Rosacaea (a large group including Rose, Apple, Plums & Cherries). It mainly originates from north east America with one species in Europe (A.ovalis) and one in Asia (A.asiatica).
The flowers are usually white, with 5 petals held on the ends of the stem (terminal clusters) of up to 20 flowers. The berries appear in June (hence Juneberry), similar to Blueberries in size, colour & taste and are snapped up by birds.
Here are some of the different species for you to consider:-
Amelanchier lamarckii (Snowy Mespilus). This has a multi-stemmed habit and grows into a bushy shrub or small tree (4m after 20 years). Its habit lends to growing in large container as feature plant which will constrain its height. Given an award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Amelanchier grandiflora ‘Ballerina’. This is grown as a small tree and numerous different versions have been developed (Cultivars). ‘Ballerina’ has clusters of white flowers followed by bronze tinged foliage giving a fantastic display in Autumn. Awarded AGM by the RHS. This is the one I have and I love it.
Amelanchier grandiflora ‘Red Robin’. Another cultivar but this one has pale pink flowers fading to white.
Amelanchier laevis ‘Snowflake’. Also known as Smooth Serviceberry. Large white star shaped flowers and red/bronze new foliage.
Amelanchier ovalis ‘Edelweiss’. A slower-growing amelanchier, a native to central and southern Europe. It has six-inch long clusters (panicles) of white flowers in late spring. The leaves are a pink-bronze when young, darkening to cool green in spring.
….but its not just about spring flowers. Amelanchier produces stunning autumnal colour.
Planting & Care:-
- Prefers rich, well-drained soil, but any type of garden soil can do. It’s not a fussy tree.
- It loves full sun and even part sun.
- It isn’t necessary to prune, but if you wish to change shape/balance of plant do this when dormant.
- Generally pest and disease free.
So why not give this beautiful plant a go. It will reward you throughout the year.