Though some gardeners find the berries to be messy, you may find your array of songbirds becomes more diverse with a serviceberry planted in your yard. Some people enjoy the berries also; they have a blueberry-like flavor and can be used in much the same way for making pies, cobblers, or preserves. Like blueberries, they also contain many beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, magnesium, iron, vitamin E, and fiber: Toss them in your morning smoothie for a nutritional boost. The berries can be frozen for future use. The taste can be somewhat bland owing to their being more sweet than tart, and as with blueberries, fresh lemon zest or juice is often used to boost their flavor in recipes. There are two Saskatoon Serviceberry cultivars that can accommodate different size and shape preferences: the “Regent” is a compact version that grows only 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, and the “Standing Ovation” grows from 12 to 15 feet high but only two to three feet wide.
Light
The Saskatoon Serviceberry does equally well in full sun or partial sun. It should get a minimum of four hours of direct light per day to ensure proper fruiting of its berries in summer.
Soil
This shrub grows best in a slightly acidic, moist (but not wet) and well-drained soil. It will tolerate alkaline soil and is also tolerant of clay soil. To make your soil more acidic, add some peat moss, pine needles or coffee grounds. This will also improve texture and drainage of clay soil.
Water
This shrub doesn’t have any special water needs beyond normal rainfall and can be somewhat drought-tolerant. In extended periods of drought, however, lasting more than two weeks, or more than a week with daily temperatures over 85F, a deep watering at the base of the tree will help keep it healthy. Prolonged drought may affect the production of berries, also, as is found with other berries.
Temperature and Humidity
The Saskatoon Serviceberry has a fairly narrow hardiness range and does not flourish in areas with extreme temperatures. Very cold winters or very hot summers are not suitable for this shrub’s growing habit. Since it is somewhat prone to mildew, humidity can also be an issue.
Fertilizer
A light dressing of manure every other autumn will keep the root system healthy.
Propagating Saskatoon Serviceberry
These plants can be propagated from seed collected from the ripe fruits. Clean the seeds immediately to prevent any fermentation. Seeds can be sown in fall or, using a cold-stratification method, in spring.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
There are a few pests to be aware of with this shrub, including fireblight, mildew, rust, fungal leaf spots, and cankers. Rabbits and mice may also enjoy chewing on the bark; one natural cure for this is spraying with a solution of water with shaved Irish Spring soap (dissolve one shaved bar into one quart hot water, then dilute with two gallons on water; shake before using).
Common Problems With Saskatoon Serviceberry
Beyond yearly pruning, the Saskatoon Serviceberry requires no special care. If the root system becomes exposed, add some topsoil around the base.
