How to Grow Amelanchier Lamarckii - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Amelanchier lamarckii is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, rosaceae. it contains a single species, amelanchier lamarckii, which is native to europe, northwest africa, and southwest asia. the species is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall. the leaves are oval, 2–6 cm (0.8–2.4 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) broad, with a finely toothed margin. the flowers are white, 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) diameter, with five petals, produced in corymbs of 10–30 together in spring. the fruit is a small pome, red, purple or black, 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) diameter, ripening in autumn.

How to Grow Amelanchier Lamarckii - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Alleghany serviceberry
  • Alder-leaved serviceberry
  • Downy serviceberry
  • Indianherry
  • Purple winterberry

Basic info

  • The scientific name for the common serviceberry is Amelanchier lamarckii.
  • It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
  • The plant typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet and has a spreading, rounded crown.
  • The leaves are ovate to elliptical in shape and are 2-4 inches long. They are dark green in color and have a smooth or toothed margin.
  • The flowers are white and 5-petaled, and they appear in clusters in early spring.
  • The fruit is a small, dark purple berry that is edible and ripens in late summer.
  • The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
  • The common serviceberry is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.
  • The plant is also known by the names shadbush, shadblow, and Juneberry.
  • The common serviceberry is the state fruit of New Hampshire.

How to Grow

  1. For amelanchier lamarckii, first step is to choose a location. They prefer full sun to part shade, so choose a spot in your yard that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
  3. The third step is to plant the tree. Amelanchier lamarckii can be planted in containers or in the ground. If planting in the ground, dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree's root ball and just as deep.
  4. The fourth step is to backfill the hole with soil, making sure to tamp it down gently as you go.
  5. The fifth step is to water the tree deeply, making sure to saturate the root ball.
  6. The sixth step is to add a layer of mulch around the tree, making sure to keep it away from the trunk.
  7. The seventh step is to fertilize the tree every spring with a general purpose fertilizer.
  8. The eighth step is to prune the tree every year to shape it and encourage new growth.
  9. The ninth step is to protect the tree from animals such as deer, rabbits, and rodents.
  10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your amelanchier lamarckii tree!

Related plant:
Amelanchier Canadensis

The Soil

About soil condition, Amelanchier Lamarckii grows in a wide range of soil conditions, from well-drained sandy loams to heavy clay soils, and prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It is also tolerant of salt and drought.

About light

Like the other members of the Amelanchier genus, the Lamarckii species requires full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It is worth noting that too much shade can result in a smaller crop of fruit. This shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall, making it a perfect candidate for use as a privacy hedge or in other landscape design plans.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the amelanchier lamarckii is between the temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This particular plant is known to be quite sensitive to cold temperatures, so it is important to make sure that the temperature is not too cold if you want it to thrive. The best way to ensure that the temperature is ideal for this plant is to place it in an area that receives plenty of sunlight during the day.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. They can, however, tolerate lower humidity levels down to 40%. If the humidity gets any lower than that, the leaves will start to suffer and may even drop off. Brown edges on the leaves are also a sign that the air is too dry.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this plant prefers low levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. For best growth, use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and slightly higher in phosphorus. This can be achieved by using a fertilizer with a N-P-K ratio of 3-5-5 or 5-10-10. If you are unsure about the amount of fertilizer to use, it is best to err on the side of using less rather than more. Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become stunted. The roots of the amelanchier lamarckii are relatively shallow, so it is important to water regularly during periods of drought. Mulching around the base of the plant will help to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool. This plant does not like to sit in wet soil, so be sure to well-drained soil. If the roots become waterlogged, they will start to rot and the plant will die.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for an amelanchier lamarckii plant. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also a good idea to prune back any branches that are growing too close to the main trunk of the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the amelanchier lamarckii is best done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and should be taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Once the cuttings are taken, they should be placed in a planting mix that is high in organic matter and that drains well. The mix should be moistened before the cuttings are placed in it. The cuttings should then be placed in a propagator or plastic bag to create a humid environment. They should be kept at a temperature of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. After a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can then be transplanted into individual pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. However, the growing conditions, age, and individual plant can all affect the growth rate. On average, these plants grow about 30 cm a year. However, some plants have been known to grow up to 60 cm in a single year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and scab. These can all be treated with fungicides. If the plant is affected by powdery mildew, the leaves will have a white powdery substance on them. Rust will cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually brown and fall off. Scab will cause the leaves to have black spots on them.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your amelanchier lamarckii in an area that receives full sun.
  • This tree does best in well-drained, sandy soil.
  • Be sure to water your tree regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Fertilize your tree annually with a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • To encourage fruiting, make sure to prune your tree each year.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest the fruit when it is ripe (usually in late summer or early fall).
  • Store the fruit in a cool, dry place.
  • The wood of this tree is valuable for carving and other woodworking projects.
  • Enjoy your amelanchier lamarckii tree for many years to come!

You May Like

  • Amelanchier lamarckii.
  • Amelanchier lamarckiana.
  • Amelanchier oblongifolia.
  • Amelanchier flabellifolia.
  • Amelanchier arborea.
  • Amelanchier asiatica.
  • Amelanchier canadensis.
  • Amelanchier globosa.
  • Amelanchier intermedia.
  • Amelanchier sanguinea.

Source:
Amelanchier lamarckii Trees | Jackson Area Arboretum …
Serviceberry (Amelanchier lamarckii, Rosaceae) Details
Amelanchier: The Little Tree with Many Names - University of …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category