Aronia berries

Plant family

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

100 cm

Row spacing

100 cm

Seeding depth

40 cm

Instructions

Description

The chokeberry also known as black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), bald chokeberry or black rowan is a shrub that grows up to 2 m high, and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is frost hardy to -35°C, tolerates salt, is not very susceptible to diseases and pests, is very rich in vitamins and is also used as a source of dye. The green leaves turn bright red as the berries ripen in the fall. The flowers of the shrub are white. Its berries are spherical and up to 8.5 mm thick. They ripen from eggplant-colored to glossy black. Like apples, the berries also have a core and are ready for harvest as soon as the inside of the berry is also colored through.

Growing tips

As the shrub forms root runners, it should be provided with a generously dimensioned root barrier. Shrubs in pots can be planted almost all year round. They do not require pruning. In the case of bare-rooted shrubs, however, all damaged shoots should be removed and all others shortened by about half. The main roots should also be freshly pruned and broken pieces removed. Fertilization is not necessary, but the shrub is grateful for an occasional dose. Cut out the oldest shoots every 2-3 years. Shorten new shoots by 1/3 in spring for better branching. The shrub can also be easily integrated into a hedge. Popular with insects.