Downy Serviceberry

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15-20 feet

Mature Spread

15 - 20 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

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.