Amelanchier

Serviceberry For Sale – Best In NZ!

Adding trees such as Amelanchier to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used for providing shade, screening, and shelter.
• They produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.
• The fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh or cooked.
• Amelanchier are ornamental shrubs and trees that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications.
• Amelanchier fruits attract birds and other wildlife.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

Serviceberries are fabulous trees, and we have the right tree for your space. Our Amelanchier have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Amelanchier, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Amelanchier Questions

1. What is Amelanchier?

Amelanchier, also known as serviceberry or shadblow, is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees in the rose family (Rosaceae). They are native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and are grown for their beautiful flowers, edible fruits, and ornamental value.

2. What types of Amelanchier are there?

There are many different types of Amelanchier:

• Amelanchier canadensis: native of North America and is known for its white flowers and edible fruits.
• Amelanchier lamarckii: native of Eurasia and is known for its pink flowers and edible fruits.
• Amelanchier alnifolia: native of North America and is known for its white flowers and edible fruits.
• Amelanchier stolonifera: native of North America and is known for its white flowers and edible fruits.
• Amelanchier grandiflora: native of North America and is known for its large, white flowers and edible fruits.

3. What conditions do Amelanchier need to grow?

Amelanchier prefer full sun and a well-drained soil. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but they will perform best in a well-drained, loamy soil. Amelanchier are also tolerant of dry periods but do benefit from regular watering during the growing season.

4. How do I plant Amelanchier?

To plant Amelanchier, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and plant the Amelanchier at the same depth as it was growing in the pot. Backfill the hole with soil and water well. The tree should be staked to prevent wind blowing it over and to produce a straighter specimen. Continue watering the tree frequently until it has become established.

5. How do I harvest Amelanchier fruits?

To harvest Amelanchier fruits, simply pick them off the tree or shrub when they are ripe. That is, when they are soft and are deep purple in colour.

6. Which is the best Amelanchier for a small garden?

The best Amelanchier for a small garden is Amelanchier canadensis. It is known for its white flowers, edible fruits, and compact growth habit. It typically grows to be 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide.

7. What is the lifespan of the Amelanchier?

The lifespan of an Amelanchier, also known as a serviceberry, is generally between 30 and 40 years. However, with proper care and ideal growing conditions, some Amelanchier species can live for up to 60 years. These conditions include well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and adequate watering.

8. How do you identify Amelanchier?

Identifying Amelanchier species involves observing their distinctive characteristics, including their appearance, growth habit, and blooming period. Here's a guide to help you identify Amelanchier:

Appearance

• Leaves: Amelanchier leaves are typically oval or elliptical in shape, with finely toothed margins and a slightly downy underside. The leaves vary in colour depending on the species, ranging from light green to dark green.
• Bark: Amelanchier trees have smooth, gray bark with darker vertical striations. As the tree ages, the bark may become slightly furrowed or roughened.
• Flowers: Amelanchier flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, typically appearing in clusters in the spring before the leaves fully expand. They have five petals and numerous stamens.
• Fruits: Amelanchier fruits are small, round to oval berries that ripen in the summer. The colour of the berries varies depending on the species, ranging from dark purple to reddish-black.

Growth Habit

• Size: Amelanchier species can range in size from small shrubs to medium-sized trees. The most common species, Amelanchier arborea, typically grows to 20-30 feet tall.
• Shape: Amelanchier trees generally have a rounded or spreading crown, with branches that tend to droop slightly. The overall shape of the tree can vary depending on the species and growing conditions.

Blooming Period

• Spring Bloom: Amelanchier trees are known for their early spring blooms, typically occurring in March or April before the leaves fully expand. The showy white flowers add a touch of elegance to the landscape during this time of year.
• Fruit Ripening: Amelanchier berries ripen in the summer, usually between June and August. The ripening time can vary depending on the species and climatic conditions.

By observing these key characteristics, you can confidently identify Amelanchier species and appreciate their unique beauty and ecological significance.

9. What are common names for Amelanchier?

Amelanchier, also known as serviceberry, is a genus of deciduous-leaved shrubs and small trees in the rose family (Rosaceae). It has a wide distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia, and is known for its edible berries and ornamental value. Here are some common names for Amelanchier:

• Serviceberry: This is the most common name for Amelanchier, and it refers to the fact that the flowers bloom in the spring, just when the roads in the Appalachian mountains became passable for circuit-riding preachers to resume church services.
• Shadbush: This name is derived from the fact that the blooms of Amelanchier coincide with the arrival of shad fish in North American rivers.
• Juneberry: This name refers to the fact that the berries of Amelanchier typically ripen in June.
• Saskatoon: This name is derived from the Cree word "saskatoon berry," and it is commonly used for Amelanchier alnifolia, a species native to western Canada and the United States.
• Sugarplum: This name is less common, but it refers to the sweet taste of Amelanchier berries.
• Wild-plum: This name is sometimes used for Amelanchier berries, but it is not entirely accurate, as Amelanchier is not closely related to plums.
• Chuckley pear: This name is a less common regional name for Amelanchier berries, and it is thought to originate from the way the berries "chuckle" when they are shaken.

10. Which is the best multi stemmed Amelanchier?

The best multi-stemmed Amelanchier for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and widely recommended multi-stemmed Amelanchier varieties include:

• Amelanchier lamarckii (Snowy Mespilus): A popular choice for its graceful cascading branches and abundant white flowers in spring. It produces edible purple-black berries in summer, which are both delicious and attractive to birds.
• Amelanchier x grandiflora (Snowball Flowering Serviceberry): Known for its large, showy white flowers that resemble snowballs. It is a fast-growing shrub that reaches about 8-10 feet (2.5-3 m) tall and wide.
• Amelanchier canadensis (Common Serviceberry): A hardy and adaptable shrub that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and climates. It produces edible reddish-black berries in summer.
• Amelanchier alnifolia (Western Serviceberry): A native North American shrub that is known for its sweet and flavourful berries. It is a good choice for areas with hot, dry summers.
• Amelanchier arborea (Common Rowantree): A small tree that can reach up to 20-30 feet (7-10 m) tall. It produces edible red berries in summer and has attractive fall foliage.

These are just a few of the many multi-stemmed Amelanchier varieties available. When choosing a variety, consider the size of your space, the amount of sun it receives, and your personal preferences for flower colour and berry flavour.

11. What is the problem with Amelanchier autumn brilliance?

Amelanchier autumn brilliance is a popular variety of serviceberry known for its vibrant fall foliage and attractive white flowers in spring. However, it is susceptible to a few problems, including:

• Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause wilting, blackening, and a burned appearance of branches. It can spread quickly and can be difficult to control.
• Rust diseases: Several types of rust diseases can affect Amelanchier autumn brilliance, causing yellow or orange spots on the leaves. These diseases can weaken the plant and reduce its overall vigour.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery growth on the leaves. It can spread quickly in humid conditions and can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
• Leaf spot: Several types of leaf spot diseases can affect Amelanchier autumn brilliance, causing spots or blotches on the leaves. These diseases can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other problems.
• Canker: This fungal disease can cause sunken areas on the bark, which can eventually girdle the stem and kill the plant.

12. What is the difference between Amelanchier arborea and Amelanchier laevis?

Amelanchier arborea (common serviceberry) and Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny serviceberry) are two closely related species of serviceberry that share many similarities, but there are also some key differences between them.

Appearance

• Size: Amelanchier arborea is typically a larger tree, reaching up to 20-30 feet (7-10 m) tall, while Amelanchier laevis is more often a shrub, growing to 15-25 feet (5-8 m) tall.
• Leaves: The leaves of Amelanchier arborea are typically slightly larger and have a more pronounced serrate margin compared to Amelanchier laevis, which has smaller, more finely toothed leaves.
• Bark: The bark of Amelanchier arborea is typically a darker grey and has a more furrowed appearance compared to Amelanchier laevis, which has a smoother, lighter gray bark.

Flowers

• Bloom Time: Amelanchier arborea blooms slightly later than Amelanchier laevis, typically in mid-spring, while Amelanchier laevis blooms in early spring.
• Flower Color: The flowers of both species are white, but the flowers of Amelanchier arborea are slightly larger and showier.

Fruit

• Berry Colour: The berries of both species are edible and dark purple or black, but the berries of Amelanchier arborea are slightly larger and sweeter.
• Berry Flavour: The berries of Amelanchier arborea are typically described as having a slightly tart flavor, while the berries of Amelanchier laevis are often described as being more sweet and juicy.

13. How tall do Amelanchier laevis get?

Amelanchier laevis, commonly known as the Allegheny serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It typically grows to 15-25 feet (5-8 m) tall, but can reach up to 40 feet in height under ideal conditions. The spread of an Amelanchier laevis is typically 15-20 feet (5-7 m).

14. Which Amelanchier has the best autumn colour?

Several Amelanchier species are known for their stunning autumn foliage, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to vibrant yellows and purples. Here are some of the top Amelanchier varieties for exceptional autumn colour:

1. Amelanchier lamarckii (Snowy Mespilus): This popular choice is renowned for its blazing red autumn foliage, often accented with hints of orange and purple. It produces edible purple-black berries in summer and has a graceful cascading growth habit.
2. Amelanchier x grandiflora (Snowball Flowering Serviceberry): This fast-growing shrub transforms into a vibrant spectacle in autumn, showcasing a rich tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues. Its large, showy white flowers in spring add to its ornamental appeal.
3. Amelanchier canadensis (Common Serviceberry): This versatile shrub or small tree displays a captivating blend of red, orange, and yellow colors during autumn, making it a striking addition to any landscape. Its edible reddish-black berries in summer further enhance its value.
4. Amelanchier alnifolia (Western Serviceberry): This native North American shrub is prized for its vibrant yellow autumn foliage, often with hints of orange and red. It produces sweet and flavourful black berries in summer and is well-adapted to hot, dry summers.
5. Amelanchier arborea (Common Rowantree): This small tree offers a stunning display of autumn colour, ranging from fiery red to deep purple. It produces edible red berries in summer and has attractive fall foliage.