Nantucket serviceberry

Nantucket serviceberry can be pruned to shape or to reduce size in the late winter or early spring. If a shrub is pruned too late in the year, it may not flower or produce fruit. Prune out any broken or crossed branches, and any old twiggy growth. Prune off 1/3 to 1/2 of the longest, oldest stems at ground level to encourage new growth and flowering. It is also possible to prune Nantucket serviceberry into a small tree form with one central trunk if desired.

Nantucket serviceberry (Amelanchier nantucketensis) requires full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In the wild, it grows in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sun each day in order to flower and set fruit. Plant it in an area with a southeast to southwest exposure for maximum sunlight throughout the day.

The Nantucket serviceberry prefers moist soil, and should be watered well during dry spells to maintain a consistent level of moisture. This plant species should receive 1 - 1.5 inches of water once or twice a week until the bush is established, and then 1 - 2 inches of water every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. Watering should be done early in the morning to reduce the risk of disease. During the winter months, watering should be decreased to once a month. If the weather is especially dry or hot, additional watering may be necessary. Make sure to water the plant until you see water running from the bottom of the container.