Autumn Brilliance Serviceberries: Hardy, Low-Maintenance Garden Stars
Autumn Brilliance serviceberries, a cross between A. canadensis and A. laevis, are a hardy and low-maintenance addition to any garden. Native to the USA, these trees, often referred to as Amy Grant serviceberries, grow from 15 to 25 feet tall and offer a stunning display of colours throughout the seasons.
The Autumn Brilliance serviceberry, known for its vibrant fall foliage, emerges with purple-tinged leaves that mature to a deep green. As autumn approaches, these leaves transform into brilliant orange and red hues, providing a striking contrast to the tree's white spring flowers. These large, showy blooms attract pollinators and set the stage for the tree's small, edible berries, which resemble blueberries in taste and can be used in preserves or pies, or left for birds to enjoy.
Growing from 4 to 8 metres in height, the Autumn Brilliance serviceberry has an upright, highly branching form and is drought tolerant. It requires minimal care once established and is disease resistant. Unlike other serviceberries, it has less suckering tendency and prefers moist, well-draining loam soil, although it adapts to a variety of soil types. To maintain its tree-like growth habit, remove any suckers that appear.
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, the Autumn Brilliance serviceberry is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, high-impact plants. Its stunning foliage, attractive flowers, and edible berries make it a valuable addition to any landscape, providing beauty and sustenance for both humans and wildlife alike.
