Amelanchier alnifolia 'Obelisk' (PBR)
alder-leaved serviceberry 'Obelisk'
A distinctive, upright form of serviceberry that develops into a tall, narrow small tree or large shrub, making it an excellent choice where space is limited but vertical interest is needed. In mid-spring, clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers with soft green centres appear along the stems, creating a light and elegant display that is highly attractive to pollinators.
The young foliage emerges with a subtle bronze tint before maturing to fresh green through summer, followed by a warm display of yellow and orange tones in autumn. Dark red-purple fruits develop after flowering, adding further seasonal interest.
Exceptionally hardy and more columnar than many other amelanchiers, Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Obelisk’ copes well with exposed conditions and grows happily in full sun or partial shade in neutral to slightly acidic soils.
The young foliage emerges with a subtle bronze tint before maturing to fresh green through summer, followed by a warm display of yellow and orange tones in autumn. Dark red-purple fruits develop after flowering, adding further seasonal interest.
Exceptionally hardy and more columnar than many other amelanchiers, Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Obelisk’ copes well with exposed conditions and grows happily in full sun or partial shade in neutral to slightly acidic soils.
How to care for Amelanchier alnifolia Obelisk (PBR):
When planting your snowy mespilus prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole.
Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, these should be planted out as they arrive. If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help it establish, especially in dry spells. Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or bark in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the stem.
Although tolerant of most soil types, Amelanchier prefers slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil and benefits from a position in full sun or light shade. Avoid chalky soils where possible unless improved with organic matter.
Pruning is usually minimal but you can shape lightly after flowering if needed. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Protect young plants from late frosts where possible, as this can damage emerging buds. Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser.
Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, these should be planted out as they arrive. If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help it establish, especially in dry spells. Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or bark in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the stem.
Although tolerant of most soil types, Amelanchier prefers slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil and benefits from a position in full sun or light shade. Avoid chalky soils where possible unless improved with organic matter.
Pruning is usually minimal but you can shape lightly after flowering if needed. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Protect young plants from late frosts where possible, as this can damage emerging buds. Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
6m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
-
Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
