JUNEBERRIES — Amelanchier sp.

In Canada they are known as "Saskatoons." Plant breeders have worked with Juneberries (the native shrub is sometimes called Serviceberry or Shadblow) since the early 1900's, breeding for size and quality of fruit and for higher production.  Similar to a blueberry in looks and taste, the fruit hangs in clusters from spreading, open, vase-shaped  bushes which vary in height from 6-10 feet (most Amelanchier alnifolia) to 20-25 ft. (Autumn Brilliance)  Suckering, or sprouting stems from the root, is considered a desirable quality, since it increases the fruit capacity of the bush.  Plants are initially small, so pay extra attention to watering and weeding during their first season. For many people, Juneberries are easier to grow than blueberries because they do not require acid soils. They grow well on a variety of soils, but prefer a loamy site with ph of 6.0-7.0. It can be moist but not constantly wet.   Pollination Juneberries are self-fertile. However, planting more than one variety will enhance yields. Spacing 4 to 5 feet apart for Fergie, 6 to 8 feet apart for Honeywood,  Martin, Northline, Pembina, Prince William, Regent, Smoky and Success.. 10 to15 feet apart for Autumn Brilliance, Princess Diana, and Theissen. For a hedge effect, spacing can be slightly closer.

Price — 6 to 12 inch plants $8.00 each, $120 package of 20 (mixed varieties)
 

Variety	Description
Autumn Brilliance  Amelanchier canadensis	Will reach a height of 20-25 feet. Beautiful white blossoms are followed by purplish sweet fruit. Very productive. Fall foliage is a brilliant red-orange. Bark is a smooth light grey reminiscent of beech. Although this is sold primarily as an ornamental cultivar, the fruit is very good.
Princess Diana  Amelanchier canadensis	Can reach up to 20 feet tall. Delightful large purplish-red fruit is sweet and abundant. Large white blossoms and vibrant Fall color.
Prince William  Amelanchier canadensis	Short in stature for Amelanchier canadensis, reaching only 10 feet at maturity. Blooms and fruits abundantly, producing an annual crop of high quality berries. Brilliant Fall color.
Fergie Amelanchier stolonifera	Our smallest Amelanchier, reaching only 5 ft. Well adapted to more acid eastern soils. Tasty fruit, bright Fall color. Fergie is not a heavy producer of suckers. Flowers a bit later than other varieties.
Honeywood  Amelanchier alnifolia	Productive, slightly tart, full flavor variety. Flowers a bit later than other varieties and ripens over a longer period. Saskatchewan introduction by A.J. Porter.
Martin Amelanchier alnifolia	Largest fruit of any juneberry cultivar. Originated in Saskatchewan in 1990 as an improved selection of Theissen, with larger berries and more uniform ripening.
Northline  Amelanchier alnifolia	Berries slightly pear shaped, full flavored with good sweet/tart balance.  Bears at an early age and suckers freely. From Beaverlodge, Alberta.  Introduced in 1960.
Pembina Amelanchier alnifolia	Fruit full-flavored, borne on long clusters. Bush upright, slightly spreading, with limited suckering. Bred in Barrhead, Alberta. Introduced 1952.
Regent  Amelanchier alnifolia	Most common variety in the U.S. Fruit high quality, with a mild flavor. Bush vigorous and productive. Developed in Regent, North Dakota.
Smoky  Amelanchier alnifolia	Fruit large and round with a sweet, mild flavor. Bush vigorous and spreading, forming many suckers. From Beaverlodge, Alberta.Selected in 1928, introduced in 1952.
Success  Amelanchier canadensis or A. sanguinae	The oldest known cultivar of Juneberry, dating to 1868. Upright, 6-8 ft, multi-stemmed shrub producing sweet, juicy berries, somewhat apple-like in flavor. Will pollinate Autumn Brilliance, Princess Diana and Prince William.
Thiessen  Amelanchier alnifolia	From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Introduced 1976. Open-shaped bush with sprawling growth habit, reaching 12 to 14 feet in height and even wider crown at maturity. Moderate suckering. Large fruit; mild, pleasant flavor.