Amelanchier alnifolia 'Smokey' (F)
A medium to large bushy, suckering, deciduous upright shrub or small branching multi-stemmed tree, this cultivar is grown primarily for its impressive display of large, edible and sweet, smokey blue-black fruit. Bronze-tinged young leaves that are oval or circular in shape turn mid-to dark-green in summer, and then orange, red and pink-purple in autumn. Clusters of self-fertile five-petalled white flowers emerge in spring about 2-3cm across as the young leaves unfurl and expand. The fruits are also enjoyed by wildlife
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red Purple | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Red Pink Orange | Black Blue | ||
| Winter | Black Blue |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- The berries are edible, but this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
- Genus
Amelanchier are small deciduous trees or shrubs with showy white flowers in early spring, red to purple fruits and often good autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, lime-free, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The best autumn colour is achieved when grown in full sun. Fruits are enjoyed by birds.
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Edible fruit
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight. In dry soil conditions or strong winds, may be susceptible to leaf scorch.
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