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Serviceberry issues

16 years ago

Hello,

I want a row of serviceberries to block my neighbor's driveway. I wanted Amelanchier arborea, (Downy) but someone convinced me to get A laevis (Allegheny.) Now I see that it is said to be "short lived." Does anyone have experience with this? How short is short?

Also, they seem to be susceptible to a wide range of ailments. As a native plant, I was hoping they'd be easy to keep. Does anyone have any comments on this? Once I plant them to hide my neighbor's cars, I don't want any trouble!!

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

Ann

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Comments (4)

razorback33
16 years ago
You might check out one of the hybrids that are recommended for narrow planting areas, such as A. x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' (link below). Serviceberry's are susceptible to damage by some pests and diseases, but I wouldn't consider them an isolated species, as most plants sometimes fall prey to similar or worse maladies. I also don't consider a normal lifespan of 50-60 years to be short lived. That's much longer than the Eastern Flowering Dogwood, for example.
The only problem I've encountered with Serviceberry's, is finding the cultivar I want to plant! But they are becoming more available and I see them sometimes at the bigbox stores.
Rb

Here is a link that might be useful: Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance'
Ann
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Rb. It looks like Autumn Brilliance is OK through zone 7, but I'm trying to plan for global warming : ( I want something that'll handle at least zone 8.

Do you know if 50-60 years is what I can expect from Allegheny? That would be fine by me. I'm just worried "short lived" means 15-30 years. That would cause me to choose something else.
Thanks,
Ann
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The main problems are 1) What pests and diseases you might have there that could spoil results with these Rose Family trees (and shrubs) which have the same galaxy of afflictions as their familial relations cherries, apples and pears; for example, over some years I've been building a collection of them on an Island County, WA site only to have this ugly, deforming rust show up and get on several of them last season 2) Widespread mis-assignment of cultivars to the wrong species, for instance you apparently have seen 'Ballerina' listed under A. canadensis somewhere; customarily it is placed under A. X grandiflora where without close examination it would appear to belong; a big part of the problem is that even the original wild species themselves have never been all sorted out to everyone's satisfaction After you determine if these are suitable for your location (comments here from someone in your region may be forthcoming, otherwise inquire locally) choose a named form (like 'Ballerina') based on the characteristics of that cultivar rather than what species it is supposed to belong to.
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I've bought serviceberries from a locally owned and operated nursery, particular fruiting varieties via mail-order, and in bulk from the local conservation department. I never had any problems or pests bother with them. Serviceberries are very hardy and fairly pest-free. I would suspect the problem to be the quality of stock and care found in the big-box stores and/or the stress of being planting in the middle of summer. I do not suspect a dogwood would have fared much better in such a situation. FataMorgana
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Today's pic of infected fruit Never plant Amelanchier over hardscape streetside planting with dieback, tree will likely be removed soon. My state's flora recognizes 7 species of servicebery not including naturally occuring hybrids. I wouldn't give you two cents for any of them. I sampled some fruit today with many almond tasting seed. Fruit not really to my liking, sort of fermented. My observation is around here by late August/September trees are essentially leafless, not even a hint of fall color. AAMOF I've never seen fall color on this genus. How about someone here go back to your pix from last year and show us examples of Amelanchier fall color. Remember OP is in Phily.
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Judy_B_ON
16 years ago
I planted two A. laevis in 1979 at my previous house, last time I drove by they were still doing great. One of my favourite small trees; I have had no significant problems with mine at old house or new one.

A. laevis is tree form with juicy, tasty fruit and I love to eat them in pancakes and pies. Downy serviceberry is a multi stemmed shrub with dry fruit. Would the shrub form do better at blocking the view?
razorback33
16 years ago
I believe the hardiness rating of 'Autumn Brilliance' is likely Zone 8 (see article in link). One of the parents, either A. canadensis or A. arborea, depending upon the source, is hardy to Zone 8-9. (Documented in Fl & along the Gulf Coast, as well as SE Atlantic coast).
Rb

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Autumn Brilliance'

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