Planting a Serviceberry

Like the Jostaberry in my last post, I learned about the Serviceberry in my permaculture class. I bought the Regent Saskatoon Serviceberry aka Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Regent’ from EggPlant.

The Serviceberry is also very hardy and good in USDA zones 2-7 and good down to –50F. It should have no trouble with Minnesota winters.

I started by digging a large hole twice as big as the pot and filling it with finished compost. The soil in this part of the yard is very poor and compacted. I am hoping the finished compost will give the bush a good start.

Filled it in with more finished compost and again around the plant to even the ground out.

I sheet mulched with cardboard and a heavy layer of wood chip mulch. The mulch should do a nice job suppressing weeds and holding in the moisture. The cardboard will break down over time adding more organic matter to the soil. I finished up by giving it a long, deep drink of water.

The Serviceberry bloomed the week after I planted it, so I hope that means it is happy in my yard.