Amelanchier lamarckii

Amelanchier lamarckii is a beautiful, small, North American tree offering year-round interest, even in winter when its spreading crown of fine shoots makes a satisfying, dense, shrubby shape. In March the branches erupt with a froth of star-shaped flowers in lax conical heads, just as the coppery pink young leaves unfold; in summer these become yellow-green, but later turn scarlet and crimson before falling. In July the tree is studded with dark red berries which become purple-black as they ripen. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Amelanchier lamarckii in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil, in full sun to partial shade. Amelanchiers make good trees for pots.