As a landscape designer it is important for me to keep a top ten list of the most reliable and maintenance free plants which I can recommend and serviceberries always make the cut.
Serviceberries are one of the few trees adaptable to almost any situation growing in sun, shade and even in clay soil. These trees also offer interest for every season from their smooth grey winter bark to their spring flowers to bright fall colour, not to mention their delicious edible berries!
**Growing Conditions:** As with any plant they will grow best in moist, well-drained soil but are adaptable to clay or sandy soils.
**Size:** This tree has an upright, oval form, mature size ranges from 25-30’ tall. There are shorter cultivars available that make great specimen trees.
**Hardiness:** Adaptable to zones 4-8
**Where to Plant:** This tree is well suited to naturalized woodlands or native themed plantings. These are a great alternative if you are looking for a tree for a small front yard.
**Plant Partners:** When designing, I prefer using the multi-stemmed clump form serviceberries and perennials are suitable companions since these trees have a low branching habits. If you are sticking with a native plant theme, try perennials such as Solomon’s seal, pink turtlehead or sensitive Fern. Other great partners are astilbe, Japanese forest grass, or little bunny fountain grass.
The berries on this beautiful tree ripen mid-late June and have a flavor resembling a mix of blueberries and a strawberries. They are excellent to eat raw or a great addition to preserves.
Happy Gardening!
By Andrea Weddum
*Post contributed by Andrea Weddum, Landscape Designer*
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