Amelanchier laevis 'Snowflakes'
A small tree of markedly upright habit, with a crown that is narrow at first, it reads as almost columnar, which sets it apart from the Amelanchier of more open growth. This architecture makes it possible to bring abundant white blossom to narrow streets, entrances and small gardens, where the available width limits the choice of tree.
- Vertical, narrowly oval structure, with the branching concentrated close to the axis
- Unusually large white flowers, borne in long hanging clusters
- One of the Amelanchier selections best suited to narrow streets and compact gardens
About this cultivar
‘Snowflakes’ was selected in the Netherlands from seed originating in Canada and introduced in 1991. It grows at first as a large, narrow and strongly upright shrub, developing into a small tree with an oval crown. The structure keeps a clear vertical dominance, although it becomes progressively broader with age. It normally reaches 4 to 6 metres in height and spread, and can exceed these dimensions in particularly favourable conditions.Read moreShow less
‘Snowflakes’ was selected in the Netherlands from seed originating in Canada and introduced in 1991. It grows at first as a large, narrow and strongly upright shrub, developing into a small tree with an oval crown. The structure keeps a clear vertical dominance, although it becomes progressively broader with age. It normally reaches 4 to 6 metres in height and spread, and can exceed these dimensions in particularly favourable conditions.
The flowering reinforces the verticality of the plant. In early spring, white, star-shaped, lightly scented flowers appear in long, gently hanging clusters, spread along the ascending branches. At about 2.5 to 3.5 centimetres, they are particularly large for the genus and stand out against the coppery-pink new growth.
During the summer, the foliage turns dark green and forms a luminous crown, without excessive opacity. The flowers give rise to small, sweet, edible fruits, reddish at first and then blue-black, sought after by birds. In autumn, the leaves take on yellow and red tones, extending the seasonal interest.
It grows in sun or partial shade, in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Sun favours flowering and autumn colour, while some protection during the afternoon benefits the plant in the Portuguese regions with hotter summers. It is very hardy and has good wind resistance; newly planted specimens require deep watering during establishment.
The upright habit makes it especially suited to narrow streets, entrances, courtyards and small gardens that call for a flowering tree without a crown that is very spreading at first. A mature specimen from Diaplant immediately brings that vertical structure, already accompanied by a significant quantity of flowering wood, making it possible to create a tree of clear presence without waiting for the crown to form.
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