Princess Diana Serviceberry Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Princess Diana'
ABOUT
'Princess Diana' is a stunning deciduous shrub known for its multi-season interest. In spring, it welcomes the season with an abundance of white, star-shaped flowers that cover the branches in a snowy blanket. Each individual blossom is composed of five rounded petals that radiate out from a central cluster of prominent, pale yellow stamens, creating a delightful contrast against the emerging green foliage. As the seasons progress, the leaves of 'Princess Diana' mature to a deep green. They are simple and oval, with finely toothed margins, adding a lush backdrop to the summer garden. In the fall, the foliage undergoes a dramatic transformation, painting the landscape with shades of orange, red, and yellow, giving a fiery display of autumnal color. The plant also produces small, round fruits that mature to a dark purplish-black. These berries are favored by birds and add to the visual interest of the shrub. The bark of 'Princess Diana' is smooth and gray, providing a subtle but attractive texture, especially notable in the winter months when the leaves have fallen. 'Princess Diana' has a naturally graceful and arching growth habit, giving it an elegant appearance in the landscape. Its branches fan out, creating a lovely, rounded and bushy silhouette that works well as a focal point or integrated into a mixed border. The combination of its floral display, autumn color, and fruit make 'Princess Diana' a cherished addition to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Apple Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, Princess Diana Serviceberry
Common names
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Princess Diana'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Apple Serviceberry is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, its berries are edible and often used in recipes for jams, jellies, and pies. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from consuming any part of the Apple Serviceberry, as it is not considered poisonous.
To pets
The Apple Serviceberry is not considered toxic to pets either. Dogs and cats, among other domestic animals, can usually consume the berries from this plant without experiencing adverse effects. There are no typical symptoms associated with poisoning from the Apple Serviceberry, indicating that it is generally safe for pet consumption.
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- Attracts Wildlife: The plant produces fruit that is attractive to birds and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity.
- Ornamental Beauty: 'Princess Diana' blossoms with beautiful white flowers in spring, which adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: This cultivar offers seasonal interest with its spring flowers, summer fruits, and vibrant autumn foliage.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Adaptability: The plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving gardens.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a specimen plant in larger landscapes.
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: Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Princess Diana', also known as Apple Serviceberry, can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals within a garden or landscape setting.
- Educational Tool: This species can be used in educational settings such as schools and nature centers to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and the importance of native species for local ecosystems.
- Bonsai: The Apple Serviceberry can be trained as a bonsai, offering an interesting challenge for enthusiasts keen on showcasing the beauty of this tree in miniature form.
- Natural Dyes: The bark and leaves of the Apple Serviceberry may be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or art projects.
- Photographic Subject: Owing to its attractive form and blossoms, the Apple Serviceberry can be an excellent subject for photography, especially during the blooming season.
- Culinary Experiments: The berries of the Apple Serviceberry are edible and can be used in culinary experiments beyond the traditional pies and jams, like in savory sauces or as garnishes.
- Seasonal Crafts: The branches and leaves can be incorporated into seasonal crafts, such as wreaths or centerpieces for fall and winter decorations.
- Landscape Art: Since it's aesthetically pleasing, the tree can be utilized in landscape art and garden design courses as an example of a plant that offers multi-season interest.
- Ice Cream Flavoring: The fruit of the Apple Serviceberry can be used to create unique ice cream flavors, providing a subtle almond-like taste similar to cherries or almonds.
- Winter Interest: The tree's structure, particularly when frosted or covered in snow, can provide visual interest in the garden during the barren winter months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apple Serviceberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apple Serviceberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Amelanchier × grandiflora ‘Princess Diana’, commonly known as Apple Serviceberry, often symbolizes new beginnings as it is one of the first plants to bloom in spring.
- Youthfulness: The plant's association with Princess Diana, who was often seen as a symbol of youth and vitality, lends it a connotation of youth and grace.
- Hope: Its early spring flowers bring the promise of coming warmth and the hope of new growth, making it a symbol of optimism.
- Beauty: With its elegant white flowers, the Apple Serviceberry is often associated with pure beauty and is commonly used in ornamental plantings for its aesthetic appeal.
- Native American Heritage: Serviceberries have significant cultural importance for various Native American tribes, symbolizing the plant’s deep roots in local tradition and its use in traditional medicine and food.
WaterThe Apple Serviceberry, commonly known as the 'Princess Diana', should be watered deeply once a week, especially during its first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Depending on weather conditions, watering may be reduced to every two or three weeks once established, particularly if natural rainfall is sufficient. When watering, apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each event, ensuring that the moisture reaches deeply into the soil. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to increase watering frequency to prevent stress. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightApple Serviceberry, commonly known as the 'Princess Diana', thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best in a location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Preferring a balance of light and shade, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal to protect it from the harsher late day sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureApple Serviceberry, or 'Princess Diana', can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy from USDA zones 4 through 9. It can endure a minimum temperature down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable with maximum temperatures typically found in these zones. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning the Apple Serviceberry 'Princess Diana' is primarily for maintaining shape and removing damaged or diseased branches. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This timing allows for easy identification of branches that need removal and minimizes stress on the plant. Annual pruning helps to encourage new growth and flower production. Selective thinning of the branches can improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Serviceberry 'Princess Diana' is well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingServiceberry 'Princess Diana' is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound.
Humidity & MistingServiceberry 'Princess Diana' is adaptable and does well in average outdoor humidity levels, without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot, water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/partial shade, mulch, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Princess Diana', commonly known as 'Princess Diana' Serviceberry, begins with seed germination, typically after a period of cold stratification which mimics winter conditions. Upon sprouting, the plant enters its juvenile phase, characterized by rapid vegetative growth, developing roots and shoots that eventually form a small shrub. As it matures, the 'Princess Diana' Serviceberry transitions to its adult stage, where it starts to produce flowers in early spring; these attractive white blooms attract pollinators and, once pollinated, give way to small, edible, dark purple berries in early summer. The fruiting stage is followed by a period of seed dispersal, as birds and other animals consume the berries and excrete the seeds elsewhere. In autumn, the serviceberry exhibits a display of vibrant fall foliage before it enters dormancy in winter. Over several years, the plant will reach its full height and spread, eventually culminating in senescence where growth slows and the plant may begin to decline.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Princess Diana', commonly known as Apple Serviceberry, is generally propagated through softwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the new growth is just beginning to mature and harden off slightly. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from a healthy branch, ensuring at least two to three leaf nodes are included. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and placed in a location with indirect sunlight. A plastic bag or cover can be used to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in the garden.
