The various varieties of serviceberry are experiencing a renaissance in many private gardens and parks these days, as they have an extremely decorative look with pretty flowers and magnificent autumn color. The bush or tree-like rock pear also grows at a very pleasant speed.
How fast does a serviceberry grow?
Rock pears grow around 20 to 60 cm in height per year, depending on the variety and location. The best-known varieties include tree rock pear (6+ m), common rock pear (1-3 m), copper rock pear (4-6 m) and spiked rock pear (0.5-2 m).
Strong growth but still manageable
Depending on the variety and location, a serviceberry grows in height by around 20 to 60 cm per year. Over the years, rock pears can be formed into hedges or obelisks. At the same time, caring for the serviceberry doesn't take too much work, as the plants can be kept under control with a maximum of one pruning per year.
Rock pears that grow in different sizes for different aspects of garden design
The annual growth of rock pears also depends to a certain extent on the maximum height the respective variety can reach. The following varieties therefore vary in their suitability for hedges or as solitary plants:
- Tree rock pear (Amelanchier arborea): more than 6 m height possible
- Common serviceberry (Amelanchier ovalis): between 1 and 3 m tall
- Copper rock pear (Amelanchier lamarckii): about 4 to 6 m tall
- Sharp serviceberry (Amelanchier spicata): between 0.5 and 2 m height
Tip
The fruits of the serviceberry are edible. A fruiting hedge of vigorously growing rock pears can therefore not only serve as a habitat for animals, but can also provide raw material for he althy juices and jams.