Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a somewhat wide range of soils, but prefers moist, well-drained loams. Root suckers are common, and if not removed, will result in a shrubby growth habit for the plant.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Amelanchier × grandiflora is a hybrid cross between two species of North American serviceberry, namely, A. arborea (downy serviceberry) and A. laevis (Allegheny serviceberry). It is known in commerce today by several showy cultivars. This is a small, deciduous, usually multi-trunked understory tree or tall shrub which typically matures to 15-20’ tall. Flowers bloom in April followed by edible fruits (3/8" diameter) in June (hence the sometimes used common name of Juneberry for amelanchiers). Berries resemble blueberries in taste and may be used in jams, jellies and pies. Finely-toothed, oval-lanceolate leaves (to 3" long) emerge with bronze tints in spring, mature to dark green from late spring throughout summer before finally turning brilliant red to orange-red in fall.
Genus name comes from a French provincial name for Amelanchier ovalis a European plant in this genus.
Specific epithet means large flowers.
'Princess Diana' is noted for its yellow flower buds, abundant white flowers in spring, deep bluish purple fruits, wide-spreading branches and red fall color. It was discovered in a cultivated yard in Elm Grove, Wisconsin in the mid-1980s with subsequent issuance of U.S. Plant Patent PP6,041 on October 20, 1987.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Rust, leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew and canker are occasional disease problems.
Uses
Attractive understory tree/shrub for lawns, shrub borders, woodland margins or native plant areas. Shrub forms can be grown as tall informal hedges or screens. Good plant for bird gardens (birds love the berries).