About

Amelanchier alnifolia 'Smokey' is a medium to large, upright shrub or a small, multi-stemmed tree that produces suckers. This cultivar is primarily valued for its abundant harvest of large, sweet, blue-black fruits. The young foliage, initially bronzed and oval or circular in shape, matures to a rich green during the summer months before transitioning to hues of orange, red, and pink-purple in the fall. In spring, clusters of five-petaled white flowers, which are self-fertile and measure around 2-3 cm across, bloom as the new leaves emerge. The berries are a food source for various wildlife species.

About the genus

Amelanchier comprises small deciduous trees or shrubs that produce prominent white blossoms in early spring. These plants bear red to purple fruits and often exhibit appealing foliage in autumn.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible

Habit

Suckering, Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

2.5-4 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in moist, lime-free, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun. Fruits are enjoyed by birds.

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to fireblight. In dry soil conditions or strong winds, may be susceptible to leaf scorch.