Amelanchier ovalis 'Helvetia'

RHS Plant Profile
snowy mespilus 'Helvetia'

Synonyms

Amelanchier rotundifolia 'Helvetia'

Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A compact shrub or small tree, up to around 1.5m high, with a bushy, upright habit. Leaves are broadly oval, almost rounded, and woolly white when young, maturing to grey-green and turning orange and red in autumn. Upright clusters of white flowers are produced in spring, followed later by edible red berries that mature to blue-black

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
Genus
Amelanchier are small deciduous trees or shrubs with showy white flowers in early spring, red to purple fruits and often good autumn colour
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist, well-drained, preferably neutral or acidic soil; will grow in sun or partial shade but autumn colour will be brightest in full sun. This species will tolerate drier conditions and less acidic soils than many others

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight