Apple Serviceberry Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Rubescens'
ABOUT
The Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Rubescens', commonly known as the serviceberry, presents a delightful display through the seasons. It is decorated with young leaves that unfurl with a reddish tinge, eventually maturing to a deeper green as the seasons progress. These leaves are oval in shape and have finely toothed margins, creating a soft, textured appearance. Come spring, the serviceberry is adorned with a profusion of white flowers, each with five delicate petals. These blooms cluster in showy groups, adding a striking contrast against the emerging foliage. As the flowering season wanes, the plant begins to set fruit, which evolves from green to a deep purple-black as it ripens. These berry-like pomes are not only attractive but also edible and favored by both humans and wildlife. During autumn, the serviceberry undergoes a transformation as the leaves take on vibrant shades of orange and red, casting a warm, seasonal glow in the landscape. The juxtaposition of lingering fruits and the fiery autumnal foliage offers a picturesque view. Throughout the year, the serviceberry maintains an elegant presence, its branches spreading gracefully, thus adding to its ornamental charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Apple Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, Hybrid Serviceberry, Pink Flush Serviceberry, Red-Tinted Serviceberry
Common names
Amelanchier grandiflora 'Rubescens'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Serviceberry is not toxic to humans. In fact, the berries of the Serviceberry are edible and can be eaten raw 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 domestic animals if they happen to ingest parts of the plant. However, as with any non-typical food item, it could possibly cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Known commonly as the apple serviceberry, it produces attractive pink-flushed flowers in spring, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers year-round interest with flowers in spring, edible fruit in summer, and vibrant fall foliage.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its berries attract birds and other wildlife, creating a dynamic environment in the garden.
- Compact Size: Perfect for smaller gardens due to its medium size, it does not overpower the landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant has a good tolerance for drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Generally, it requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Edible Fruit: The berries are edible and can be used in jellies, pies, or eaten raw, adding a functional aspect to its ornamental value.
- Adaptability: It adapts well to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, moist soils.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers are a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Native Plant Advantage: As a plant that's part of the North American flora, it can contribute to a garden's local ecosystem integrity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subjects: The Serviceberry 'Rubescens' variety, with its striking pink-tinged flowers, provides an excellent subject for photographers, especially those interested in nature and botanical photography.
- Dye production: The berries of the Serviceberry can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics or other materials.
- Culinary decoration: Edible flowers from the Serviceberry can be used as a decorative element on desserts or as part of a salad garnish.
- Wildlife shelter: Serviceberry bushes provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife within gardens and natural landscapes.
- Art inspiration: The elegant form and seasonal color changes of the Serviceberry have provided inspiration for artists, particularly those focusing on botanical and landscape art.
- Fall foliage displays: The leaves of the Serviceberry 'Rubescens' turn vibrant colors in the fall, making it an ideal plant for creating autumn-themed garden displays.
- Educational tool: Serviceberry plants can be used in schools and educational programs to teach students about plant biology, life cycles, and the importance of native species in ecosystems.
- Craft material: Dried branches and berries from the Serviceberry can be used in flower arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects.
- Beekeeping attraction: Serviceberry flowers are a good source of nectar and can help attract bees to the area for pollination purposes in beekeeping activities.
- Urban landscaping: Due to its manageable size and adaptive nature, the Serviceberry 'Rubescens' is often used in urban landscaping projects to enhance city biodiversity and aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiServiceberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityServiceberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Amelanchier, commonly known as Serviceberry, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Hope: The early flowering of Serviceberry brings hope and signifies the promise of spring after a long winter.
- Provision: Serviceberry trees produce edible berries that have historically provided food for both wildlife and humans, thus symbolizing provision and abundance.
- Native Wisdom: Native Americans used Amelanchier for food and medicinal purposes, so the tree can represent traditional knowledge and living in harmony with nature.
- Beauty and Grace: The 'Rubescens' variety, with its pink-tinged flowers, adds an element of beauty and grace to the landscape, symbolizing aesthetic appreciation and the natural elegance of the wild.
WaterServiceberry requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to ensure its root system becomes well established. It's advisable to water it deeply about once a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water each time. During hot or windy weather, more frequent watering may be necessary, whereas less is required during cooler, wetter conditions. Always check the soil moisture; it should be moist but not waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering since the plant's water needs decrease significantly during dormancy.
LightServiceberry thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for planting is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, though it can tolerate some light shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can affect the plant's flowering and fruiting potential.
TemperatureServiceberry is hardy and adaptable to various temperature conditions. It can tolerate a temperature range from about -20°F to 90°F, but its ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 75°F. Ensure the plant is well-mulched to protect its roots during extreme temperatures in winter or summer.
PruningServiceberry should be pruned to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or broken branches, thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation, and shape as desired. Annual pruning helps to encourage flowering and fruiting.
CleaningAs needed
SoilServiceberry 'Rubescens' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. A good mix would consist of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage.
RepottingServiceberry 'Rubescens', being a large shrub or small tree, is typically planted outdoors and does not require repotting. If grown in a container, it may require repotting every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingServiceberry 'Rubescens' is adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions, thriving in the ambient outdoor humidity levels common to temperate climates where it is often grown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Serviceberry 'Rubescens' too large for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAmelanchier × grandiflora 'Rubescens', commonly referred to as the Serviceberry, begins its life cycle with seed germination in the spring, which requires stratification to break dormancy. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, with new shoots and leaves expanding as it establishes a root system. Throughout its juvenile phase, the Serviceberry experiences rapid growth and tends to form a multi-stemmed shrub-like structure. Once mature, the Serviceberry produces distinctive pink-tinged white flowers in early spring, which are pollinated by insects leading to fruit development. The fruits, which are edible berries, ripen to a dark purple-black color in early summer and are often eaten by birds, which in turn disperse the seeds. The Serviceberry can live for several decades, and over time, it may undergo periods of vegetative growth and regeneration after pruning or environmental stress.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Rubescens', commonly known as the Redspire serviceberry, is generally propagated by softwood cuttings. The most popular and successful method involves taking cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer, when the wood is still green and flexible but has begun to mature. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length and ideally include a few leaves. They are planted in a mixture of perlite and peat moss and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. To encourage rooting, dipping the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone before planting can be beneficial. Once rooted, cuttings can be potted into individual containers to grow on before eventual transplanting outdoors.
