Amelanchier alnifolia 'Northline' (F)

RHS Plant Profile
alder-leaved serviceberry 'Northline'
Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A medium to large suckering, deciduous and upright shrub or small tree, this is a cultivar of the alder-leaved Amelanchier grown for its generous crop of fruits. Bronze-tinged young leaves that are oval or circular in shape turn mid to dark-green in summer, and then orange-red and pink-purple in autumn. Five petalled self-fertile white flowers in spring about 2-3cm across appear as the leaves unfurl and expand. The fruits when fully ripe are smallish blue-purple-black berries about 10mm in diameter and closely resemble large blueberries, and are often eaten by birds and squirrels, and can be made into jams and pies.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering, 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
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, acid to neutral soil and ideally in full sun. Tolerates partial shade but autumn colour is best in sun.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight. In dry soil conditions or strong winds, may be susceptible to leaf scorch.