Amelanchier lamarckii
Amelanchier lamarckii
June berry-bush or snowy mespilus
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Flowering period: April to May
- Height: 4-6m
- Foliage: deciduous
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Varieties
Amelanchier lamarckii
Amelanchier lamarckii is a versatile shrub or small tree that provides year-round interest. Masses of lovely, star-shaped white flowers appear in spring on upright stems, followed by purple-black fruit.
The berries are edible and popular with birds.
The young bronze-tinted leaves are also attractive, maturing to green in summer, then orange and red in autumn.
Pruning
When and how to prune Amelanchier lamarckii (June berry-bush or snowy mespilus). Without foliage hiding the stems, you can get a clear view of what needs to be pruned. Prune the shrub or tree in winter or early spring.
Remove dead, misplaced, or damaged stems. If you want to preserve the flowers, wait until the shrub or the tree has finished flowering. Then prune it.
Flowers Amelanchier lamarckii Leaf colour in autumn
How to grow
Amelanchier lamarckii performs best when grown in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.
Plant combination
What can you plant under Amelanchier. Underplant the shrub with spring bulbs, Brunnera macrophylla, Epimedium.
You could also add Helleborus. This perennial provides colour before Amelanchier blooms.
Helleborus orientalis
