Apple Serviceberry Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole's Select'
ABOUT
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole's Select', commonly known as the apple serviceberry, is a deciduous hybrid with a stunning display of seasonal changes. Its appearance is marked by a graceful branching structure that provides visual interest throughout the year. In the spring, the plant is adorned with clusters of star-shaped flowers that exhibit a soft white color, emerging from pink buds. These blossoms effuse a subtle but delightful fragrance that attracts various pollinators. As the blooming period wanes, the plant's foliage unfolds, starting as a coppery color and then transitioning to a deep green. The leaves are oval with pointed tips and have a finely toothed edge, giving the foliage a soft yet textured look. With the arrival of autumn, the apple serviceberry showcases a striking transformation. The leaves take on shades of vibrant orange and red, offering a fiery display that stands out in the landscape. Amidst the fall foliage, the plant produces edible fruits. These fruits resemble miniature apples and berries, inheriting a deep and luscious purple hue when ripe. The berries add an additional layer of visual interest and provide a food source for local wildlife. As temperatures drop, the apple serviceberry loses its leaves, revealing an elegant framework of branches. The bark has a smooth texture and a grayish-brown color, which stands out against snowy or barren winter landscapes, emphasizing the quiet beauty of its dormant season. Overall, the apple serviceberry presents a harmonious sequence of ornamental features, making it a cherished addition to gardens not for its size, but for its year-round aesthetic appeal and its contributions to the ecosystem.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Cole's Select Serviceberry, Cole's Select Juneberry, Cole's Select Shadbush, Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry, Cole's Select Amelanchier.
Common names
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole's Select'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Serviceberry is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, its berries are edible and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking.
To pets
The Serviceberry is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other animals, and they may also eat the berries without adverse effects. However, as with any plant, consumption of large amounts might cause mild stomach upset in some pets due to the fiber content or individual sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Apple Serviceberry is valued for its beautiful white flowers in spring, which enhance any landscape design.
- Attracts Wildlife: It serves as a food source for birds and pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to spring flowers, this plant has attractive fall foliage that provides vivid colors as the seasons change.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Apple Serviceberry is fairly drought-tolerant, requiring less supplemental watering.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep once mature.
- Edible Fruit: Produces small, edible berries that can be used in cooking or eaten fresh, providing a source of homegrown food.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Material: Branches of the serviceberry can be used in DIY projects, such as making small wooden items or for decorative woodturning.
- Ink and Dye Source: The berries of the serviceberry can be crushed to make natural ink or dye for fabric and art projects.
- Photography Subject: Serviceberry trees, with their striking spring blossoms, are popular subjects for photographers, especially in landscape and nature photography.
- Culinary Garnish: Flowers of the serviceberry can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Floral Displays: The branches and blossoms of the serviceberry can be used in floral arrangements for events and home decor, particularly in spring.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Serviceberry trees can provide shelter and food for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, creating a mini sanctuary in one's garden.
- Natural Fencing: These trees can be planted in rows to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing privacy screen.
- Soil Stabilization: The serviceberry's root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Beekeeping Support: Serviceberry flowers are a source of nectar for bees, making them beneficial for beekeepers and pollinator gardens.
- Landscape Theme Creation: Serviceberry trees can be used to create a "four seasons" landscape theme due to their all-year-round visual interest—spring flowers, summer berries, fall foliage, and winter bark.
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: Amelanchier, commonly known as Serviceberry, often symbolizes renewal as it is one of the first plants to bloom in spring.
- Hope: The early flowering of the Serviceberry brings hope, as it signifies the end of winter and the beginning of a new growth cycle.
- New Beginnings: Serviceberry's spring blossoms are indicative of new beginnings, representing fresh starts and the awakening of nature.
- Provision: Historically, the Serviceberry's fruit has been a source of food, hence the tree can symbolize provision and nourishment.
WaterApple Serviceberry should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which equates to approximately 0.62 to 0.93 gallons for a newly planted tree. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week. Established trees are more drought-tolerant and may only need supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods. Always water the plant at the soil level to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases. It’s essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged to avoid root rot.
LightApple Serviceberry thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to protect from scorching. A spot that provides morning sunlight and protection from harsh afternoon sun is most beneficial as it helps to prevent stress on the plant during peak temperatures.
TemperatureApple Serviceberry is hardy and can withstand a broad temperature range. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F and maximum summer temperatures up to 90°F. However, the ideal growth temperature range for this plant is between 60°F to 75°F. Providing a site with protection from extreme cold and heat can help maintain the health and vigor of the Serviceberry.
PruningPrune Apple Serviceberry during the dormant season, typically late winter to early spring, to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to maintain the plant's shape. Pruning can also promote healthy growth and air circulation. Perform any major pruning every few years, and snip wayward branches as needed to keep an attractive form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilServiceberry 'Cole's Select' thrives in well-drained, moist soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix would be equal parts loam, peat, and sand, which ensures proper drainage and adequate nutrient retention. Periodic organic mulch can be added to enrich soil fertility.
RepottingApple Serviceberry 'Cole's Select' is not typically grown as a potted plant but rather planted outdoors. In landscape settings, the plant does not require repotting and will grow in the same location for years.
Humidity & MistingApple Serviceberry 'Cole's Select' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels typical of temperate climates. It does not require any specific humidity adjustments when planted outdoors in its ideal hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth due to its size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/partial shade, well-draining soil, mulch, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAmelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole's Select', commonly known as the apple serviceberry, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that typically requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Upon warming temperatures in spring, the seed germinates and the plant emerges as a seedling, growing roots and its first set of true leaves. The seedling matures into a shrub or small tree, undergoing vegetative growth throughout spring and summer, marked by the emergence of serrated leaves and rapid stem elongation. It reaches reproductive maturity after a few years, producing fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators and consequently develop into small apple-like berries during summer, which are then dispersed by wildlife. Through the seasons, serviceberries enter a phase of dormancy in the fall, characterized by brilliant autumn foliage before shedding their leaves. The plant's life cycle is perennial, repeating the process of growth, flowering, and fruiting annually for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Serviceberry (Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole's Select') is softwood cuttings. These are typically taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible and not yet mature. The cutting should be about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a moist, soilless potting mix. The cutting should then be placed in a bright area but out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist. In a few weeks to months, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted into the garden.
