Apple serviceberry Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance'
ABOUT
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance', commonly known as the 'Autumn Brilliance' serviceberry, is a highly ornamental plant known for its multi-seasonal display. In the spring, the plant is adorned with an abundance of white flowers that are star-shaped, creating a soft and inviting look. These flowers emerge just before the foliage in the spring, and they attract pollinators such as bees to the garden. Following the blooming period, the serviceberry produces small round fruits that change from green to a deep, purplish-black as they ripen. These berries are both edible and flavorful, with a taste reminiscent of blueberries, and they are a favorite among birds. The leaves of the 'Autumn Brilliance' serviceberry are also a standout feature. New leaves are a brighter green when they emerge, and they darken as they mature. Come fall, the foliage undergoes a dramatic change, with leaves turning to a rich array of oranges and reds, living up to the name "Autumn Brilliance." This display of vibrant fall color adds another layer of interest to the plant. The structure of the 'Autumn Brilliance' serviceberry is visually appealing as well, featuring an upright form with a spreading habit that lends itself to a natural elegance. Its branching pattern is moderately dense, providing a pleasing array of shadows and sunlight dappled through its canopy. The bark on the trunk and branches tends to be smooth and can range from a grayish to a somewhat reddish-brown hue, adding yet another dimension of visual interest, particularly in the winter months when the deciduous leaves have fallen.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, Apple Serviceberry, Juneberry.
Common names
Amelanchier arborea × Amelanchier laevis, Amelanchier × grandiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
The Apple Serviceberry is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, its berries are edible and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. There are no known toxic consequences of ingesting any part of this plant for humans when consumed in normal food quantities.
To pets
The Apple Serviceberry is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is considered safe for domestic animals, and there should be no symptoms of poisoning from ingesting the berries or other parts of the plant. Pets can safely consume the berries in moderation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: 'Autumn Brilliance' has stunning white flowers in spring and fiery red leaves in autumn, making it a beautiful choice for landscaping.
- Wildlife attraction: The berries provide a food source for birds, and the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant and does not require frequent care or pruning.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types and is tolerant of different environmental conditions.
- Size: With its medium stature, it fits well in smaller gardens or residential landscapes without overwhelming the space.
- Screening: Its dense growth can serve as a privacy screen or hedge in gardening and landscaping.
- Seasonal interest: It offers visual interest across multiple seasons, enhancing the garden's aesthetic throughout the year.
- Erosion control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Autumn Brilliance provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, thanks to its dense foliage and branching structure.
- Natural Dye: The bark and fruit can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles in shades of green and blue.
- Photography: The striking fall color and spring blooms make Autumn Brilliance a popular subject for nature and landscape photographers.
- Educational Tool: This plant is used in schools and educational programs to teach about native species, pollination, and seasonal changes.
- Culinary Decoration: The edible berries add a unique visual appeal when used as garnish on desserts or in fruit salads.
- Ink Production: Similar to the use for dyes, the dark pigments from the fruit can be used to make natural inks for art or writing.
- Traditional Crafts: The flexible young branches can be used in basket weaving or other traditional craftwork.
- Winter Interest: The plant's structure and the persistence of its berries into winter make it an excellent choice for adding visual interest to a dormant garden.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in rows or hedges, Autumn Brilliance can help dampen noise from roads or neighbors.
- Soil Stabilization: Its robust root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or banks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Serviceberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Serviceberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Hope - The Amelanchier, also known as Apple Serviceberry, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the renewal of nature and bringing hope for the coming season.
- Provision and Abundance - The edible berries of the Apple Serviceberry represent providence and abundance, as they have been a source of food for indigenous people and wildlife.
- Beauty and Elegance - With its striking fall colors and graceful form, the 'Autumn Brilliance' cultivar specifically symbolizes beauty and elegance in the landscape.
- Transition and Change - As a plant that visibly changes through the seasons, the Apple Serviceberry indicates an acceptance of transitions and the beautiful changes life brings.
WaterServiceberry trees like the 'Autumn Brilliance' should be watered deeply once every week during the first growing season to help establish an extensive root system. Once established, they can tolerate some drought, but it's better to water them during prolonged dry spells. Typically, applying 2 to 3 gallons of water per yard of root spread ensures the roots receive enough moisture. In dry and hot weather, you may need to increase watering frequency. Overhead watering isn’t recommended, as it can cause fungal diseases, so opt for a soaker hose or drip irrigation system placed at the base of the tree.
Light'Autumn Brilliance' Serviceberry thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for planting is where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe 'Autumn Brilliance' Serviceberry is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30°F and summer temperatures up to 100°F. The ideal growing temperature range for this plant lies between 60 and 70°F. Serviceberry trees are adaptable but perform best with moderate temperatures where extreme heat or cold is not persistent.
PruningPruning the 'Autumn Brilliance' Serviceberry is essential to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light pruning each year is preferable to more severe pruning less frequently. The best time for pruning is during dormancy to minimize stress on the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry should be well-draining with a mix of loam and organic material such as compost. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingAutumn Brilliance Serviceberry is typically not a potted plant and hence does not require repotting. It is usually planted directly in the ground where it can thrive without the need for transplantation.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Brilliance Serviceberry is versatile and does not require specific humidity levels, it thrives in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growing due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAmelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance', commonly known as Apple Serviceberry, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which after stratification germinates in the spring. The seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first true leaves, establishing a small root system to support initial growth into a young plant. As the serviceberry matures into its vegetative stage, it develops a sturdy woody stem and a broad leaf canopy, continually growing and expanding its root system. During the reproductive stage, typically in early spring, the plant produces clusters of white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of small red-to-purple berries, which are a food source for wildlife. After fruiting, the plant continues to photosynthesize and grow until autumn, when it displays a brilliant red fall foliage before entering dormancy in winter. Each year, the cycle repeats with the plant growing larger and producing more flowers and fruits as it matures.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, a popular ornamental hybrid shrub, is often propagated by softwood cuttings, especially during late spring or early summer when new growth is just maturing and becoming semi-woody. This method involves taking a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy, disease-free branch, ensuring at least two or three sets of leaves are present. The bottom set of leaves is usually removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in the ground.
