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| Amelanchier arborea
Downy serviceberryCulture: Preferring moist, well-drained, acidic soils, this species can tolerate full sun to partial sunlight and is adaptable to most soil types. It should be transplanted balled and burlapped and requires little maintenance. Like other Amelanchiers, it does not perform well in compacted sites. Like most members of Rosaceae, the downy serviceberry has a potential for numerous problems, mainly in the form of rusts, fire blight, powdery mildews, and leaf miners. Other problems could include borers, mites, scales, and sawflies. Despite these many potential problems, this is usually a trouble-free plant if planted in the proper location. Usage: The amelanchiers in general are some of my favorite landscape plants -- they offer interest in all seasons with spring flowering, summer fruiting, excellent fall color, and often exhibit interesting bark. In addition, their tolerance and lack of maintenance make them seem ideal; unfortunately too much emphasis is being placed on A. arborea and A. laevis. I would prefer to see more shrubby forms in the coming years, such as A. humilis and A. stolonifera. In general, the flowers and fall color show best against dark backgrounds or in dark corners. I have seen plantings in front of Tsuga canadensis that are amazing. This species is ideal for naturalization, on building corners, or in small groves when space is plentiful. |
