Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Downy Serviceberry, also known as Amelanchier arborea, is a large spring-blooming shrub that produces purple berries for the early summer. The finely-toothed leaves are deciduous and remain fresh green throughout the summer. The flowers and berries attract local wildlife, which makes this shrub useful to include in native plantings and zone three of a rain garden.
Serviceberry is rarely browsed by deer or nibbled by rabbits. The woody stems and fragrant flowers are not attractive to deer. This plant is tolerant of pollution as well as adaptable to many different growing situations. Heavy clay soil is not a problem, although organic matter needs to be mixed in at planting time to increase drainage. There are very few pests or diseases that bother Downy Serviceberry. Fungal rust or powdery mildew at the end of the summer may be an issue if the summer is particularly dry and hot.
Downy Serviceberry Care
Plant Downy Serviceberry in either full sun or partial shade. Average soil texture and neutral pH are perfect for Downy Serviceberry. More acidic or alkaline soil is easily tolerated and not a problem. Serviceberry thrives off the native soil of an area and requires minimal fertilizing to bloom and fruit well. Mulch with organic compost in the spring. The mulch helps the soil retain moisture throughout the summer and slowly decomposes and adds nutrients. Supplemental watering may be needed during extreme periods of drought or heat after Serviceberry is established.
Pruning is not required every year. If you only make heading cuts on Serviceberry, water sprouts and suckering growth will increase. Every 3-4 years, cut out the oldest and thickest stems back to the ground. This allows for new growth from the center of the shrub. Any suckers growing away from the base must be removed from under the soil. Deadheading is only necessary if you do not want the shrub to produce berries.
Downy Serviceberry Spacing
Serviceberry has a natural vase shape that is much wider at the top. Plant these shrubs 6-8 feet apart on the center if planting more than one together. Other perennials and bulbs are great to plant near Serviceberry. They will not compete with the shrub's roots and can add interest before and after the Serviceberry has bloomed.
Downy Serviceberry Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 15-20 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 15-20 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Early Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Orange
- Foliage Description
- Green, Orange, Red, Yellow
- Foliage Type
- Seasonal Interest
- , 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Downy Serviceberry
- Also Known As
- Serviceberry, Downy
- Botanical Name
- Amelanchier arborea
- Brand
- Plant Addicts - HP
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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