Saskatoon Bushes (Juneberry)

Saskatoon bushes (Amelanchier alnifolia) are native to Canada but are now being grown as a commercial crop in the UK. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, the berries are purple-black when fully ripe and have a distinctive flavour - tasting like a mixture of cherry and blueberry with undertones of marzipan! They are lovely eaten fresh but can also be used in pies, crumbles, muffins and jams. A saskatoon bush will also add ornamental value to the garden. The clusters of white flowers, borne in the spring are very showy and the leaves turn to shades of gold and red in the autumn. Saskatoons are easy to grow and the bushes are extremely hardy (down to -20°C). Plant 3m (10ft) apart in any well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Saskatoons are self-fertile but planting two different varieties will improve pollination. Plants are usually available throughout the year.