Serviceberry can be grown as a small tree or a large shrub for four-season interest.
Peter Krumhardt
Serviceberries are a relative of roses with a somewhat morbid history.
The name serviceberry refers to the funeral services the plant’s flowers often coincided with.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
These small trees and large shrubs thrive through all four seasons.
The five-petaled flowers closely resemble apple blossoms but with skinnier petals.
They may appear from March to May and don’t usually last longonly about a week.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
They make a wonderful substitute forblueberriesand can be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies.
Birds also enjoy them.
Fall brings fiery foliage, and winter offers a glimpse of the plant’s stunning silver bark.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
The more sunlight they receive, the more flowers and berries they produce.
Moist,well-drained, and loamy soilis preferable.
Serviceberry does best in slightly acidic soil, though it will also tolerate a neutral pH.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Certain species are native to boggy areas and can thrive near water gardens.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it as you go.
Water the tree thoroughly after planting, thenadd a layer of mulch around itto help maintain moisture.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
If you’re planting more than one tree, consider the mature size of the serviceberries.
There should be enough space between them to let sunlight peek through the foliage.
Serviceberry Care Tips
Other than occasional pruning, serviceberries don’t demand much care.
Credit: Scott Little
Light
Because serviceberries are understory plants, you’d think they’d prefer the shade.
confirm to space and prune them properly to allow light to filter through the canopy of leaves.
Soil and Water
Serviceberries are adaptable to lots of soil types.
Credit:Randall Schieber
But they do best in moist, well-drained soil, ideally with a loamy texture.
(There are select varieties of serviceberry that can tolerate clay soil.)
Acidic soil is preferable, but these trees can also handle a neutral pH.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The soil should be moist but not wet.
After that, you canreduce your watering to every two weeks.
Soak the base of the tree, not the leaves, to reduce the risk of disease.
Credit: Ian Adams
Note also that high humidity can increase the likelihood of disease.
Feed each tree with 4 ounces of all-purpose fertilizer (e.g.
Some species of serviceberry can sucker and create spreading colonies.
Regardless, these plants grow relatively fast.
That makes pruning an important part of their care, especially when they reach maturity.
Aim toprune serviceberries when the plant is dormantto minimize the loss of sap.
This can be in late fall, winter, or early spring before new growth appears.
Pruning will encourage flower and berry production.
The exception: Don’t pickberries for jams or jelliesuntil they’re fully ripe for the right texture.
After washing, refrigerate the berries immediately to slow down ripening and prevent spoiling.
Pests and Problems
Pests
Serviceberry trees encounter very few problems.
If you experience a particularly dry, hot summer, spider mites could appear on the foliage.
Lace bugs andaphids may also target serviceberries.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Serviceberries are vulnerable to many of thesame diseases as appleand pear trees.
When decay sets in, this disease may eventually kill the tree, but the problem is usually cosmetic.
Serviceberries are also affected by other types of rust, such as cedar-serviceberry rust and cedar-hawthorn rust.
A fungus known asEntomosporiummay result in leaf or berry spot.
Watering at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, will reduce the risk of this disease.
Affected areas can be trimmed off and cut 12 inches beyond the diseased section.
Powdery mildewis another fungal disease to watch forit looks like white or gray dust on leaves.
Pluck off, discard any diseased foliage, and prune diligently to promote airflow.
While this disease isn’t deadly, it detracts from serviceberry’s ornamental appeal.
Fire blighta bacterial diseaseis common among fruit trees and can be highly destructive.
Damaged portions can be cut off in the summer or winter after the bacteria stop spreading.
Trim a foot beyond any discolored areas, then destroy the cut branches.
Disinfect your garden tools with a diluted bleach solution.
double-check to water well.
Serviceberry can be grown from seed.
Seeds require 3 to 4 months of cold stratification before being layered in moist peat.
Native to the American Great Plains, this variety is decently drought tolerant and hardy inZones 27.
Its deep purple fruit makes delicious jams, jellies, or pies.
Itsfall coloris a delightful mix of orange, red, and gold.
It grows 15 to 25 feet tall and wide.
In spring, it is covered in clouds ofwhite blossoms.
Purple berries in summer and red-orange color in fall extend its showy display.
‘Apple’
Amelanchierxgrandiflora’Apple' is a drought-tolerant hybrid with a graceful rounded form.
It grows 20 to 25 feet tall and wide and bears profuse white blooms that are sometimes tinged pink.
The pinkish-purple berries resembleminiature apples.
This bang out is hardy in Zones 38.
Rhododendrons are toxic to humans and pets.
It tops out at 6 inches tall.
The dark green foliage is attractive on its own and serves as a pretty backdrop for other plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your nose.
Serviceberry flowers are only lightly fragrant, with a scent some find pleasant and some dislike.
However, it’s not a defining feature of the plants.
Yes, they can be grown in large pots.
Serviceberry is considered mildly deer-resistant.
The ‘Standing Ovation’ cultivar is a good choice if you have a deer problem.
Yes, since they have a non-invasive root system, they can be planted near your home.
However, consider their mature size so that you leave enough room for them to grow.
verify you don’t plant too close to the foundation or utility lines.
They are short-lived compared to other trees.
They will generally live 30-60 years under the right conditions.
Guide to Poisonous Plants.
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Services
Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
National Capital Poison Control Center
