Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) is a structural shrub with white blooms in early to mid-spring, showy fall foliage, and red fruit from late summer through winter. They prefer moist to mesic soil in sun to part sun, growing up to 8 feet tall. They are a good choice for banks and slopes. Species for underplanting include Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata).
Maintenance
Remove suckers as needed throughout the growing season and prune out any dead wood. To promote a bushier habit and to maintain reasonable height, trim Red Chokeberry to about 5 feet tall post-bloom. Japanese Beetles can be a problem in summer.
About
Light Requirements
Sun,
Part Sun Moisture Requirements
Banks,
Slopes Soil Requirements
Acidic,
Most Soils Height
Medium,
Tall Spacing
3 to 5 feet Category
Seasonal,
Structural Attracts
Bees,
Birds Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native Bloom Time
April,
May Bloom Color
White Seasonality
Fall,
Spring,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5