Serviceberries (or *Amelanchier*, if you want to get fancy) typically develop a relatively shallow root system when planted in home gardens. They only tend to dig deep when they’re growing on rocky slopes in the wild. Because they can grow quite tall while keeping their roots near the surface, they are actually fantastic candidates for underplanting.
Serviceberries are perfect for underplanting
Whether or not your serviceberry is a good fit for underplanting mostly depends on the variety. Smaller, dwarf varieties aren’t the best choice for this. On the other hand, larger, more vigorous types are perfect. For example, a Copper Serviceberry can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet. By limbing it up (pruning the lower branches), you can give it a beautiful tree-like shape. Many other varieties can also be trained into a tree form with some strategic pruning.
But a tree-like shape isn’t the only thing to consider. If you’re looking for “roommates” to plant underneath your serviceberry, they need to be pretty tough. Look for plants that:
- Thrive in the shade,
- Can handle “root pressure” (competition from the tree’s roots),
- Don’t mind a bit of drought,
- Can get by with fewer nutrients and less water, and
- Won’t be bothered by falling leaves in the autumn.
What should you keep in mind when planting?
When you’re ready to start planting, make sure you don’t get too close to the trunk. You really want to avoid damaging the root flare or the main root system. Since serviceberry roots run very shallow, you’ll need to be extra careful with your shovel. It’s a good idea to spread a very thin layer of fresh soil around the base to make planting easier—just don’t go overboard. If you bury the trunk too deep in new soil, your serviceberry won’t be happy!
The best time to tackle this project is late summer through fall. This gives your new plants plenty of time to establish their roots before winter hits. Plus, you’ll avoid the peak heat and dry spells of July. In the middle of a scorching summer, the serviceberry will hog all the water and nutrients for itself, leaving the little guys underneath high and dry.
The best plant picks for underplanting your Serviceberry
Here are a few of my favorite plants that play well with serviceberries:
- Many types of herbs (they are usually very drought-tolerant),
- Lavender,
- Mahonia (these are champions at handling root competition),
- Balkan Cranesbill (another great drought-resistant geranium),
- Wild Ginger (Haselwurz),
- Lily of the Valley, or
- Periwinkle (Vinca).
