Chokeberry Shrubs

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Growing Aronia Chokeberries in the Landscape Aronia is cold hardy in the north to zone 3 for the Black Chokeberry. Red Chokeberries are not quite as hardy, and their hardy zones go north to zone 4. In the spring, Chokeberry shrubs produce white flower clusters, which draw in pollinators and glossy green leaves. They prefer to be planted in full sunlight to part shade. Aronia in full sun typically yields more flowers, more fruit, and brighter fall color. Aronia's fall color in partial sun to shade tends to have a fall color that leans more towards the orange side. They grow equally well in well-drained soils and soil that tends to stay wet. Chokeberry plants look best when grouped in clusters of three plants. Aronia is not deer resistant but is not often bothered as deer tend to favor other plants over Aronia. Using Chokeberry Shrubs in the Rain Garden Aronia naturally grows in wet woodlands and bogs, making them perfect plants for rain gardens. Aronia is also salt tolerant, making them useful as rain garden plants along seawalls or roads where salt is applied in the winter. If you have an area in the garden or lawn that stays consistently wet and very few other shrubs have survived, plant Aronia. Your local extension service is glad to help with designing the perfect rain garden for your lawn and landscape. Types of Chokeberries The Black Chokeberry or Aronia melenocarpa is typically found in the northeastern part of the country and is slightly more hardy than its red cousin. In the spring, fragrant white flowers start the show. Birds favor the fruits in the fall and early to mid-winter. The fall color is orange, red, and yellow and can often have some purple as well. They will grow to about 6 feet tall and about as wide. Aronia Autumn Magic is the superior cultivar of the Black Chokeberries. It is faster growing than the species and produces a far superior fall color. Red Chokeberry or Aronia arbutifiolia has a larger native range and can be found in the North East