Amelanchier alnifolia Regent (Serviceberry)

A compact serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent' (Serviceberry) is an ornamental shrub that provides multi-season interest. In mid-spring, before the leaves appear, it produces masses of showy and slightly fragrant white flowers held in upright clusters. Attractive to pollinators, they are followed by abundant, edible, dark purple berries in summer. Resembling blueberries, they make great jellies or jams and are appreciated by both birds and humans. The foliage of toothed, rounded, bluish leaves with gray-green undersides, turns to glowing shades of yellow and burgundy in the fall. The plant remains attractive even after the leaves drop, thanks to its elegant growth habit and its light gray bark adorned with charcoal-gray striations.

• Very cold-hardy, this deciduous shrub features a dense, rounded habit and grows at a moderate rate, up to 3-6 ft. tall with an equal spread (90-180 cm)
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Best berry production and fall color occur in full sun. Tolerant to harsh, dry, or alkaline conditions once established. Drought tolerant.
• Winner of the GreatPlants award, which is a joint effort between the Nebraska Nursery, Landscape Association, and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The goal of this award is to identify superior ornamental landscape plants that meet the challenging growing conditions of the region.
• Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free but watch for occasional rust, leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, and canker.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders. Perfect as a specimen plant, hedges, and screens, or for foundation plantings. Makes an excellent windbreak when planted fairly close together, so the branches can intertwine to form a living fence.