Amelanchier laevis 'R.J. Hilton'

RHS Plant Profile
smooth serviceberry 'R.J. Hilton'
smooth serviceberry 'R.J. Hilton' RHS

Synonyms

Amelanchier 'R.J. Hilton'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A spreading tree in time with deep copper young leaves in spring together with white flowers opening from pink buds. These are followed by edible purple to blue-black berries in summer and red and orange leaf tints in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 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
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Grow in moist, lime-free, well-drained soil. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus