Serviceberry Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Robin Hill'
ABOUT
The 'Robin Hill' serviceberry is an ornamental plant known for its stunning display of flowers and foliage as it progresses through the seasons. In spring, it is adorned with an abundance of soft pink flowers that gradually turn white as they mature. These flowers are arranged in pretty clusters that create a delicate and airy appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting. As the plant moves into the summer, the flowers then give way to small, round berries. Initially, these berries are a deep red color and are quite attractive in their own right. As summer progresses, they transform into a deep purple or nearly black hue. Although the berries are a highlight, they are not only decorative; they are also edible and can be used in jellies and pies, offering a mild, sweet flavor that is often likened to blueberries. The leaves of 'Robin Hill' serviceberry are oval to round in shape with fine, toothed edges, providing a lush, green backdrop for the flowers and fruit. In autumn, the foliage undergoes a dramatic change, showcasing a striking range of colors from yellow to orange and red before the leaves eventually drop. Throughout the growing seasons, the bark of the serviceberry remains an attractive feature, with its smooth, gray surface that may exude an additional visual interest to the observer, particularly during the dormant winter months when the leaves have fallen and the structure of the tree is more visible.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Robin Hill Serviceberry, Robin Hill Juneberry, Robin Hill Shadbush
Common names
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Robin Hill'.
ToxicityTo humans
Serviceberry is not toxic to humans. In fact, the berries produced by the serviceberry plant are edible and can be eaten raw or used in cooking.
To pets
Serviceberry is also not considered toxic to pets. The berries and other parts of the plant are generally safe if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats.
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
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces beautiful, white flowers in spring.
- Ornamental Berries: Offers small, edible berries that attract birds and wildlife.
- Fall Foliage: Features striking fall colors, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
- Rounded Habit: Grows with a natural, rounded shape that requires minimal pruning.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for various climates.
- Urban Tolerant: Can grow in urban environments where other plants might struggle.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care once established, ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
- Native Plant: As a native hybrid, it can support local ecosystems better than non-native species.
- Compact Size: Generally remains small to medium-sized, suitable for limited spaces.
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: 'Robin Hill' serviceberry provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals due to its dense branching structure.
- Photography Backdrop: Its attractive spring blossoms and fall foliage make it a popular choice for garden photographers looking for a stunning natural backdrop.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about hybridization and plant breeding as it is a cross between two species of Amelanchier.
- Culinary Teaching: The edible berries can be used in cooking classes to show how native plants can be incorporated into modern cuisine.
- Seasonal Indicator: The early flowering of the serviceberry is often used by gardeners to signify the start of the spring season.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists often use the 'Robin Hill' serviceberry as a subject for paintings or drawings due to its graceful form and changing colors.
- Focus for Meditation Gardens: Due to its calming presence, it is often included in garden designs intended for reflection and meditation.
- Craft Material: The wood from pruned branches can be used in woodworking or craft projects, as it is hard and dense.
- Dye Production: The berries can be used to make natural dyes for fabric or artwork, though this is less common.
- Soil Erosion Control: Planting 'Robin Hill' serviceberry on slopes can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion with its root system.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Serviceberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Serviceberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- New Beginnings: The Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Robin Hill', commonly known as Serviceberry, often blooms early in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal.
- Pure Heart: Serviceberry's delicate white flowers are traditionally associated with purity of heart and innocence.
- Provision and Nourishment: As a plant that produces edible berries, it embodies the idea of providing sustenance and nourishment.
- Native Heritage: Serviceberry is native to North America and can symbolize the indigenous heritage and knowledge connected with the land and its native plants.
- Peace: The soothing presence of this plant and its use in creating peaceful landscapes has led to it being associated with tranquility and peace.
Water"Apple serviceberry" should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root zone, especially during its establishment period and dry spells. In the first growing season, water about 2 gallons per week, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering every two weeks if there is no significant rainfall. Adjust the amount based on weather conditions, with more water during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells.
Light"Apple serviceberry" prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and best flowering results. Full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, is ideal for this plant, although it can tolerate some light shade. When in partial shade, ensure it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, especially morning sun which is less intense.
Temperature"Apple serviceberry" thrives in a wide range of temperatures and can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. It can tolerate summer heat well, but extreme temperatures over 95°F may stress the plant. The ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F for vigorous growth and flowering.
PruningPruning "Apple serviceberry" is crucial for shaping the tree, removing dead or diseased wood, and promoting a strong structure. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning out crowded branches every 2-3 years allows light and air to reach the inner canopy, which is beneficial for the plant's health and blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilServiceberry 'Robin Hill' thrives in well-drained loamy soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingServiceberry 'Robin Hill' is typically not a potted plant but rather planted in the landscape, hence repotting is not applicable.
Humidity & MistingServiceberry 'Robin Hill' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does best in outdoor environments where humidity is not controlled.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Serviceberry 'Robin Hill' is not ideal for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAmelanchier × grandiflora 'Robin Hill', commonly known as the 'Robin Hill' Serviceberry, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling grows through vegetative stages, developing a root system and foliage. It then matures into a flowering plant, typically producing white-pink blossoms in early spring, which are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The fruits, which mature into small pome-like berries by late summer, are eaten by birds and other wildlife, dispersing the seeds to promote new growth cycles. Over time, the 'Robin Hill' Serviceberry reaches a mature, reproductive phase where it can produce seeds annually, and under optimal conditions, it may live and thrive for several decades. In its declining phase, the plant's growth slows, and it may become more susceptible to diseases and pests, eventually leading to senescence and death.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Serviceberry 'Robin Hill' is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are typically taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still tender and green, but has begun to mature slightly. To propagate by this method, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes a few leaves, ensuring that at least one node (where the leaves attach to the stem) is below the surface when planted. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept under high humidity, using a plastic cover if necessary, and in indirect sunlight until roots have formed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
