About
Amelanchier ovalis is a medium to large shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 6 meters. It features ovate leaves measuring between 2.5 to 4 cm in length, which are green on the upper surface and have a white, downy texture beneath in their early growth stages. In spring, this plant produces white flowers, each up to 3.5 cm across, arranged in small, upright clusters. These are succeeded by edible, spherical fruits that begin as red and mature to a dark black hue, often dusted with a purple bloom.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
- 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
- Grows best in a moist, acidic or neutral, well-drained soil but will tolerate a lime soil
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus