Amelanchier laevis
Plant of the month: January
Closely related to rowans the impressively named Allegheny serviceberry from North America is an absolute joy in April, literally covered in pink blushed white flowers and salmon pink young leaves. Its close relative Amelanchier lamarckii the snow mespilus is equally attractive and an ideal tree for a small garden. The fleeting but spectacular spring display is followed by a long and vibrant autumn show of yellow, orange and red leaves. The main potential problem is fireblight, a bacterial dieback spread by bees at blossom time. If this is cut our when first spotted well below the lowest sign of infection this tree will give you years of enjoyment and a fantastic start to the spring blossom trail.
