About

Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes' is a vertical shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 8 meters. Its elongated leaves start as a coppery pink, mature to a mid-green in the warmer months, and transition to a yellow hue with red undertones in the fall. In spring, this plant produces pendulous clusters of large, aromatic, star-like white flowers. These blooms give way to sweet, blue-black berries in summer, each measuring up to 1.5 centimeters.

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
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard 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, well-drained, lime-free soil; will grow in sun or partial shade but autumn colour will be brightest in full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by layering, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus