Family: Rosaceae
Common Name: Chokeberry

Because of their brilliant colour in autumn, these deciduous shrubs from North America make good specimens. They have toothed leaves,white or pink flowers and masses of glossy red or black berries in late summer and autumn.

Species

A. arbutifolia has glossy green elliptical leaves, grayish and downy on the undersides, turning deep red in autumn. The attractive white flowers are followed by brilliant red berries. This shrub may be too invasive for small gardens as its suckering habit can lead to formation of clumps of 4 m (13 ft) wide or more. It grows to 2-3 m (6-10 ft).

Species

A. arbutifolia has glossy green elliptical leaves, grayish and downy on the undersides, turning deep red in autumn. The attractive white flowers are followed by brilliant red berries. This shrub may be too invasive for small gardens as its suckering habit can lead to formation of clumps of 4 m (13 ft) wide or more. It grows to 2-3 m (6-10 ft).

Cultivation

Aronia will grow well in part shade, but cool Climates and full sun are the conditions which will produce the best autumn colour and more abundant fruit. They are reasonably adaptable, provided they are planted in light soils with lots of summer mulch. Propagate from seed or sucker.

Climate

These shrubs are suitable for zone 6 and above.