Aronia
Discover the Aronia collection from Proven Winners® with a more compact growth habit! Aronia is an easy-to-care-for plant with numerous white spring flowers, black berries in late summer and red autumn foliage. Hardy and versatile.
Aronia (chokeberry) – colourful shrub with flowers and healthy berries
Aronia, better known in the United Kingdom as chokeberry, is a shrub that has something special to offer every season. The plant is a perfect spring bloomer. In spring, it produces numerous clusters of light, white flowers that resemble apple blossoms and make the garden bright and cheerful. In summer, shiny, dark purple berries follow, which attract birds and are also edible and healthy. And as soon as autumn begins, the leaves turn a spectacular red. Aronia has something to offer all year round. Thanks to its hardiness and easy care, Aronia varieties fit into any garden – as long as they are given a sunny spot.
Origin and characteristics of the chokeberry
The chokeberry originates from North America, but due to its hardiness, it is popular in Scandinavia and has been conquering European gardens for years as an ornamental and fruit shrub. It is a deciduous shrub that usually grows to a height of 1 to 2 metres, although there are now also varieties that have a more compact growth habit. The chokeberry has a new highlight every season. In May and June, white flowers appear that attract bees and other insects. In late summer, dark purple berries follow, rich in antioxidants and popular for jam, juice or syrup. And in autumn, Aronia surprises again with bright red leaves that give the garden a warm glow.
Why Aronia enriches your garden
Aronia is both beautiful and functional. Spring, summer and autumn each have their own charm: flowers, berries and autumn colours. Moreover, it is a robust, low-maintenance shrub that can be used for various purposes. In a border, the plant is mainly decorative, while as a hedge it serves as a natural partition. In an edible garden, Aronia provides healthy berries. Specific varieties offer additional possibilities: Revontuli® Mound is ideal as an ornamental shrub in borders, Revontuli® Hedger forms a dense hedge and Revontuli® Spreader is perfect as a low-growing ground cover.
Where Aronia feels at home
Aronia thrives in the sun, which promotes abundant flowering and berry development. The shrub also grows well in partial shade. Plant it in nutritious, moist but well-drained soil and you will enjoy it for years to come. For individual planting, a metre apart is sufficient, while a hedge will be nice and dense with five plants per metre.
Easy to maintain, great results
Aronia is strong and requires little care. Young plants and shrubs need a little extra water in dry summers to root properly. In spring, a layer of compost helps ensure healthy growth and a rich harvest. Pruning is hardly necessary, but a light trim after flowering keeps the shrub compact. Removing an older branch from time to time keeps Aronia looking vital and young.
Our proven Aronia selections
The Proven Winners® range includes three reliable Aronia varieties: Revontuli® Hedger, Revontuli® Mound and Revontuli® Spreader. With this selection, you can enjoy a healthy, colourful and versatile plant that has something to offer every season.
FAQ
Is Aronia hardy?
Yes, chokeberries are very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C.
When does Aronia bloom?
White flowers appear in May and June.
When can you harvest the berries?
Usually in August or September.
Can you eat the berries raw?
Yes, they are edible, but often tart when raw. They are usually processed into jam, juice or syrup.
Do you need to prune Aronia?
Only light pruning in early spring is necessary. You can remove old branches to keep the shrub young.