Snowy Mespilus Ballerina

A cultivar of a hybrid amelanchier or snowy mespilus, Amelanchier x grandiflora Ballerina is a small tree grown for its showy white blossom and brilliant autumn colour. Green leaves turn to shades of orange and purple-brown in autumn, colouring best in acid soil. The flowers in March and April are quite large, in drooping racemes, and are followed by round, red berries which mature to deep purple in June; these can be used for cooking or preserves, or left to attract wild birds. Shapely habit, good as a specimen tree.

Site: Semi-sheltered; will tolerate inland exposure
Soil: Any fertile well drained soil; lighter, acid soils preferred
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 13-26ft (4-8m) Spread: 13-26ft (4-8m)