Since the edible fruits of the serviceberry have hardly been used for decades, this plant species has recently been somewhat forgotten by hobby gardeners. Service pears are now being planted in many gardens again, not least because they have particularly impressive autumn colors.
How to plant a serviceberry in the garden?
When planting a serviceberry, a sunny to semi-shady location should be chosen. The planting hole should be larger than the root ball and filled with nutrient-rich substrate or compost. Ideally, planting should take place in spring or autumn, maintaining a distance of approx. one meter from other plants.
What should you pay attention to when choosing plants?
Gardening stores usually offer different varieties of rock pear that reach different heights and differ slightly in appearance. The copper rock pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) is particularly popular because its leaves have a particularly beautiful color in autumn.
Which locations are suitable for a rock pear?
Rock pears are generally very tolerant of various location factors, but prefer a location in the garden that is as sunny to partially shaded as possible.
What should you consider when planting or transplanting a serviceberry?
A good basis for the growth of a transplanted serviceberry is if the planting hole has been dug out to be a little larger, if possible, and filled with nutrient-rich substrate or with some ripe compost. This means that the rock pear can root well in the new location and does not necessarily require another form of fertilization.
How can the rock pear be propagated?
The serviceberry does not tend to form runners, but it can be propagated relatively easily by sowing or by growing top cuttings.
What is the best time to plant the serviceberry?
Rock pears should preferably be planted in spring or autumn. As a rule, when a serviceberry was planted does not have a major impact on its ability to grow. However, like most plants, serviceberries should not necessarily be transplanted during a hot, dry period.
When does the serviceberry bloom and when can its fruits be harvested?
The serviceberry is usually covered in a multitude of white flowers from the end of April to June, and the fruits ripen until August. Traditionally they are processed into the following products:
- Juice
- Jam
- Compote
- Wine
- as a currant substitute in various types of pastries
Which substrate is suitable for rock pears?
Rock pears can generally cope with almost all types of different soil compositions, but they thrive particularly well in slightly acidic soil with good permeability.
At what distance should service pears be planted?
Rock pears should be planted approximately one meter away from other rock pears or similarly sized plants.
Tip
When it comes to container goods from specialist retailers, the question of when the plants can be planted in the ground in your own garden is generally no longer an issue. Planting is possible almost all year round in frost-free weather, as long as the weather is not too hot and dry and the plant roots are affected as little as possible.
