About
This robust, multi-stemmed tree or shrub reaches heights of up to 8 meters. It features light grey bark and ovate leaves that can grow as long as 8 centimeters. In early spring, the leaves emerge with a bronze tint, transitioning to a glossy dark green by late spring, and finally displaying vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall. In mid-spring, it produces clusters of star-like white flowers, which are succeeded by edible blue-black berries in late summer.
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
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
- 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