Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance', Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance Juneberry, Autumn Brilliance Shadbush, Amelanchier lamarckii 'Autumn Brilliance'
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Serviceberry) is an exceptional deciduous shrub or small tree. It’s prized for its multi-season interest, from delicate blossoms in spring to vibrant foliage in fall.
Native: This plant is a hybrid of the native North American species, Amelanchier arborea and Amelanchier laevis, primarily from the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Plant Type and Habit: Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree with an upright, spreading habit and a rounded canopy.
Size: Typically, ‘Autumn Brilliance’ reaches a height of 15-25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) and a similar spread, making it versatile for various landscape settings.
Flowers: In early to mid-spring, the tree is adorned with clusters of star-shaped, white flowers. The flowers are larger than those of other serviceberries. These blossoms are both delicate and showy, providing a gentle contrast to the awakening landscape.
Fruits: Following the flowers, it produces small, round berries that transition from red to deep purple as they mature. These fruits are not only ornamental but also edible, bearing a sweet flavor.
Foliage: Oval leaves emerge with a bronze tint in spring, maturing to a deep green in summer. Come autumn, as the name ‘Autumn Brilliance’ suggests, the foliage transforms into fiery shades of red and orange.
Bark: The bark is smooth and gray, adding a touch of winter interest with its subtle sheen.
Hardiness: Autumn Brilliance’ is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it resilient across a broad swath of climates.
Uses: Given its size and ornamental features, it’s ideal as a specimen tree in small gardens, a hedge, or screen. It’s also used in wildlife gardens, thanks to its appealing berries.
Wildlife: The fruits attract various birds, making it a haven for ornithologists and nature lovers. Plus, bees and butterflies are drawn to its spring blossoms.
Deer and Rabbits: While no plant is entirely deer or rabbit-proof, serviceberries aren’t their first choice, giving it a moderate resistance.
Drought: Once established, the ‘Autumn Brilliance’ has some drought resistance, though regular watering in prolonged dry spells is beneficial.
Toxicity: Serviceberries are non-toxic to humans and pets. In fact, the berries are quite tasty and can be used in jams and pies.
Invasiveness: Being a cultivar of a native species, it doesn’t pose an invasiveness risk in North American landscapes.
Benefits: Beyond its ornamental value, it offers edible fruits, supports local wildlife, and enhances biodiversity. Its adaptability to various soils and resistance to common pests adds to its benefits.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. Best berry production and fall color occur in full sun.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
Water: Water regularly after planting. Once established, moderate watering is needed, but ensure consistent moisture, especially in dry periods.
Fertilizer: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts.
Pruning: Best pruned after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Propagation: Propagate by layering or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases. This cultivar supposedly resists leaf spot. Watch for aphids, spider mites, rust, fire blight, powdery mildew, and honey fungus.
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Amelanchier |
Common names | Serviceberry |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Spread | 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Spacing | 180" - 300" (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Amelanchier |
Common names | Serviceberry |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Spread | 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Spacing | 180" - 300" (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
How many Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Serviceberry) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Serviceberry) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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