How to Care for Serviceberry Bushes
The serviceberry, a variety of Allegheny shrub, is an ornamental bush often used in home landscapes. The plants flower profusely in spring, producing an abundance of white flowers that later fall off the plant as the edible berries form. The berries, ripening in late summer, have a flavor and appearance similar to blueberries. The foliage turns from rich green to a vibrant red and orange during the fall. Serviceberries are hardy shrubs that grow well in most areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant serviceberry shrubs in a location that receives partial shade to full sunlight. Avoid locations with full shade; lack of sunlight inhibits flowering and fruiting.
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Grow the shrubs in a well-drained bed that is rich in organic matter. Avoid beds that have standing water after rain. A loam soil that remains moist without becoming soggy provides the best planting location.
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Water the serviceberry every five to 10 days during the summer months. Use enough water to moisten the top 6 inches of soil in the root zone of the plant. Serviceberries thrive in soils that remain moist but aren't soggy.
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Fertilize the serviceberry in spring after the flower cycle completes. Apply a general purpose fertilizer at the rate recommended on the bag for the size of your bush.
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Prune the plant in late winter before the flower buds begin to swell. Remove damaged, dead and weak branches.
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Tips & Warnings
A serviceberry shrub grows up 25 feet tall. Though the size of a tree, these large shrubs have a wide, bush-like growth habit.
Ripe serviceberries turn a deep red or purple color when ready for harvesting.
