Amelanchier laevis 'R.J. Hilton'

Common name: R.J. Hilton Allegheny Serviceberry

Description: This distinguished cultivar of Allegheny Serviceberry is a natural selection originating from Canada, offering exceptional ornamental value throughout the seasons. In spring, distinctive pink buds open to reveal large, pristine white flowers in drooping clusters, creating a spectacular display against the deep copper-coloured emerging foliage. The smooth, hairless leaves mature to fresh green through summer before transforming into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Following the spring blooms, small purple-black berries ripen in early summer, providing both wildlife value and potential culinary use. 'R.J. Hilton' develops into a graceful small tree with an upright, spreading habit and attractive smooth grey bark adorned with white longitudinal stripes that add winter interest.

Other benefits: four-season interest with spring flowers, summer fruit, and outstanding autumn colour; edible berries suitable for jams and wildlife feeding; attractive bark provides winter structure; exceptionally hardy and wind-tolerant; pollution tolerant making it suitable for urban gardens

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, and early pollinators benefit from spring nectar; berries attract robins, blackbirds, thrushes, and other British songbirds; provides important early-season pollen source

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4m x 3m

Position: best in full sun to partial shade; tolerates a wide range of conditions including urban pollution and strong winds

Soil pH: adaptable to various soils but prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions; performs well in clay, loam, or sandy soils

Moisture: prefers moist, well-drained soil; moderate watering required when establishing; less drought tolerant than other serviceberries

Winter hardiness: extremely hardy to -35°C; fully frost tolerant in all UK regions and suitable for exposed positions