Amelanchier Lamarkii as they are light, provide colour and are trouble free. No winter interest though. I bought one and now have 3. I bought them small enough to grow in a tight grove. Will be nice in a year or 2.

We had a golden hornet, only noteworthy when the blossom or crabapples are on, very tiny though, no good for jelly and the birds don't seem to like them either

It would be the Sorbus Joseph Rock for me, no winter interest as is deciduous but the white flowers in spring and the glorious leaf colour in autumn along with the yellow berries does it for me.

For all year round interest the Golden Hornet. It has something in every season. I plant one in every garden as it is not attacked by the birds but the golden fruit is very plentiful and stays on sometimes for a whole year. If you will only see it April to Autumn the either of the other two would be equally good. Joseph Rock is a more dense cover, the Amelanchier a light and airy tree. Do tell us which you choose.

Amelanchier Lamarkii for me every time: glorious spring [opening bronzy] and autumn leaf colour [glorious red], lovely white blossom and a berry that is a nice colour that the birds love too. nice shape when leafless too.

Yes it has to be the same for me, Amelanchier Lamarkii, for me a real beauty and so much interest throughout the year with lovely trunk structure.

Amelanchier can be shaped like a tree or like a shrub as you prefer, and when you change your mind it seems to respond happily to a savage prune!
I agree with the above comments about its potential for more interest through the seasons than the other two options, but just one cautionary note: I have one near a patio table which for three weeks each summer is covered in purple birdpoops!

Wow thanks for all the comments. Decision time approaches. Promise to let you know. Thanks again.

The sorbus can be prone to disease, it's not the strongest cultivar around. The malus doesn't hang on to its fruit like other crabs. Amelanchier, if it has to be one of those three

I find Golden Hornet the best at hanging on to its fruit. The birds do not seem too keen on it either. Personally I would choose a Williamsii Camellia. it will grow in shade, in most soil types including clay It will have glossy green leaves throughout the year and flowers white, pink or red in late winter or Spring. have a look at the RHS Plants for shade information.

Damow can you copy your new comment in to the box below this so that other members will be notified of your thoughts. It keeps the whole dialogue between you and members all in one place. I have an Amelanchier canadensis which has never thrown up suckers.