Planting, care, cutting blueberry – the all-rounder for your garden – finch

The copper wild pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) is a real all-rounder in the garden: It enchants in spring with its delicate flowers, provides edible fruit in summer and delights in autumn with its brilliant foliage color – all with minimal care. So it’s no wonder it’s so popular.

In this article you will find out why the wild pear is so versatile and how to plant, care for and cut it correctly.

1. What makes the copper pear so special?

The wild copper pear belongs to the Amelanchier genus and is native to North America. In our gardens today it is mainly used as A delicate large shrub or small house tree. The name "copper rock pear" refers to the copper-colored shoots of its leaves in spring before they turn fresh green and glow bright orange to red in fall.

In summer it also produces dark purple edible fruits that resemble blueberries and are much appreciated by birds and humans.

2. The right position

The copper rock pear is easy to care for and adaptable, but a suitable location is important for optimal growth and intense coloring.

• Light: Sunny to partially shaded
• Boden: Loose, rich in humus and well drained, it also tolerates clayey soils
• Place: Preferably in a protected area, but sheltered from the wind

Tip: The more sun there is, the more intense the autumn color and the sweeter the fruits become.

3. Size and Growth Habits: How Big Does Copper Rock Pear Get?

The copper wild pear grows as a large, multi-stemmed shrub or can be grown as a small tree and has an elegant but not bulky appearance.

• Growth height: That. 3–5 minutes
• Growth Width: approximately 2-4 m
• Growth Habit: Upright habit with slightly protruding shoots
• Growth rate: Moderate – approximately 20-40 cm per year

If you thin it regularly it will remain more compact and structured, otherwise it will be able to grow freely and naturally.

4. Planting copper rock pear: Here’s how it works

The best time to plant is autumn or early spring as long as the ground is not frozen. Dig a generous planting hole, loosen the soil deeply and work in some compost or well-rotted manure. The plant should be planted at the same depth it was previously in the pot.

• Planting distance: approx. 2-3 m for single plantings, for hedges approx. 1.5m
• Cast: Water well after planting and water regularly for the first few weeks

5. Care and pruning

The wild pear is extremely tolerant of pruning, but does not require regular pruning. If you want to shape them a bit or encourage branching, you can use scissors in late winter.

Pruning tips:

• Time: February/March before budding
• Measure: Thin out old or crossed shoots
• Hedge: If used as a wild hedge, an occasional topiary cut is sufficient

6. Autumn flowers, fruits and colours: a year-round attraction

• Flower: In April, white to cream flowers appear: delicate, fragrant and appreciated by insects
• Fruit: The small, dark purple berries ripen from June/July. They can be eaten raw and have a slightly sweet flavor, similar to blueberries. You can eat them straight from the bush or make them into jam, juice, jelly, compote or fruit peel. They are also delicious dried and are still a feast for birds.
• Foliage coloration: In autumn the foliage shines in warm shades of copper, orange and red: a true spectacle of colour!

7. Ecological value of the wild copper pear

The wild copper pear is not only beautiful, but also valuable for wildlife:

• Bee Friendly: Their first flowers provide important nectar and pollen in spring
• Bird food: The berries are extremely popular with many local bird species
• Hideout and habitat: Its dense, multi-shoot growth makes it ideal as a nesting tree in natural gardens
• Autumn leaves: Provides protection to microorganisms and promotes soil health

8. Use in the garden

Copper pear is incredibly versatile: popular uses include:

• as a solitaire in the garden or courtyard: Particularly beautiful as a small ornamental tree with loose foliage
• like a flowering and sweet hedge: Ideal in combination with elderberry, dog rose or hawthorn
• as a tree for bird protection: It provides habitat and food