What soil does Saskatoon grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, clay.

Hardy down to -46 °C (USDA zone 1, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Saskatoon be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Saskatoon need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Saskatoon cost?

It sells for roughly €7 to €20 in local shops, depending on size.

Saskatoon

Amelanchier alnifolia

Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -46 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €7.

Illustration of Saskatoon — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An extremely hardy, multi-stemmed fruiting shrub: white flower clusters cover it in spring, sweet, dark blue, blueberry-like berries ripen in early summer, and the leaves turn yellow, orange and red in autumn. It is self-fertile, so a single bush will crop, though two plants together yield more, and you will want to net the fruit against birds. It crops best in sun on moist, well-drained soil, and it does send up root suckers.

Watch out for

It produces root suckers that need removing regularly, otherwise it forms a spreading thicket. Rust is common where junipers grow nearby (the fungus overwinters on juniper), so do not plant it next to them. It is susceptible to fire blight, and powdery mildew, leaf spot and brown rot of the fruit also occur, as do aphids and sawflies. In prolonged drought the fruit stays small or drops, and birds can strip the ripening berries within days.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -46 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	1.5–5.5 m × 1.8–3 m
Hardiness	down to -46 °C (USDA 1, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, white
Harvest	June–July
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €7

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €7
80-120 cm	approx. €12
80-100 cm	approx. €12
90-110 cm	approx. €17
size not stated	approx. €9.90 – €20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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