James Burghardt
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
AMELANCHIER x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance'
Plant Common Name
Apple Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
General Description
The name of this cultivar is perfect. Autumn Brilliance serviceberry turns fall ablaze with rich red color. Beautiful in flower, form and fall leaf color, the apple serviceberry is a shrubby small tree that warrants use in a variety of garden settings. It is a naturally occurring hybrid that combines the vigor, adaptability, and beauty of its two parents, Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) and downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea). Many ornamental cultivars have been selected from this cross, all of which have great merit. The fruits are edible, sweet and can be eaten raw or used to make preserves or pie.
In mid-spring, just before the new leaves emerge, short drooping clusters of white, five-petaled flowers grace the branches. These are primarily pollinated by bees. Berry-like edible fruits follow, which ripen to reddish purple by summer and are sought after by wildlife. The mature leaves are oval, tapered at the tips and turn brilliant shades of red in autumn.
Grow apple serviceberry in full sun to partial shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. This species is pH adaptable and will tolerate many soil types if need be. Apple serviceberry looks ideal in any landscape setting but is most at home in a naturalistic garden. To accentuate the visual impact of its spring flowers, plant this tree in front of dark evergreens or a building.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Width
18'-26' / 5.5m - 7.9m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Edible, Feature Plant, Foundation, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No