ABSTRACT
Restricted to the Northern Hemisphere, the Amelanchiers, otherwise known as Snowy Mespilus or Service Berry, reach their greatest species diversity in northern USA and Canada. They comprise mostly large, multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees producing abundant masses of mostly white or pink-tinted flowers in the spring. Compatibility appears possible for all species within the genus and extends further to include other members of Rosaceae. Trials in Holland have tested Amelanchier compared with other genera as rootstocks. 1+1P 6-8mm grade pot grown rootstocks are to be preferred over bare-root 1+0 or 1+1 8-10mm; many grafters opt for the latter and achieve good results. Cold callusing provides a reliable outcome given good cambial matching and good management of grafting environment. Grafting is normally restricted to the winter period. Field summer budding is possible which implies summer bench grafting can be considered but is rarely, if ever, used.
