Nantucket serviceberry

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.

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.

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.