Amelanchier lamarckii 'Snowberry'

RHS Plant Profile
snowy mespilus 'Snowberry'
Shrubs Trees Fruit Edible

A bushy, small upright deciduous tree, with a spreading habit, and striking young coppery-red leaves. These rich leaf colours contrast with the five petalled pure white flowers which are followed by purplish-blue edible fruits. Quite a spectacular tree in full bloom in spring. A very hardy tree and easy to grow, but it will not thrive on shallow chalky soils. It blossoms in April and has excellent autumn colour. The approximate tree height when fully mature is 3 metres

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

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Suckering
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral to acidic soil and ideally in full sun. Tolerates partial shade but autumn colour is best in sun. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • 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.