How to Grow and Care for Saskatoon Serviceberry

The juicy purple berries in summer, also called juneberries, are beloved by birds.

In the fall the leaves turn from bluish-green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Growing 1 to 2 feet per year, this native shrub has a moderate growth rate.

It will tolerate alkaline and clay soil but struggles in wet soil.

If the root system becomes exposed over time, add some topsoil around the base.

Prolonged drought may affect the production of berries.

If the soil is poor, apply acomplete balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10in the spring when buds break.

Over time, the shrub forms colonies.

Tall varieties are more likely to topple over.

Choose a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with a combination of potting mix and compost.

Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than shrubs in the landscape.

Repot the shrub when its root system fills the pots.

Overwintering

Saskatoon serviceberry is a very hardy plant.

Unless the shrub is grown in a container, it does not need any winter protection.

The small white flowers grow in drooping clusters.

They have a light, sweet fragrance.

Serviceberriestake several years until they start blooming.

The wildlife value of serviceberry, on the other hand, is considerable.

You may find your array of songbirds becomes more diverse with a serviceberry planted in your yard.

The berries are edible; they have a blueberry-like flavor.

it’s possible for you to eat them raw or cooked or dry them like raisins.

They are used just like blueberries for pies, cobblers, or preserves.

The taste tends to be somewhat bland as the berries are rather sweet than tart, similar to blueberries.

Therefore fresh lemon zest or juice is often used to boost their flavor in recipes.