About

This deciduous shrub reaches a height of 2 meters and features elliptic to obovate leaves that transform to a vibrant red in the fall. It produces small white flowers that give way to enduring bright red berries.

About the genus

Aronia are deciduous shrubs featuring simple leaves that display vibrant colors in the fall. They produce clusters of small, white flowers reminiscent of hawthorn blooms, which give way to berries in black, red, or purple hues. While these berries are edible, they possess a strong astringency when consumed raw and may draw the attention of birds.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Toxicity

The berries are edible, but bitter raw, and this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 2

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn outside. Can also be propagated by removing suckers and potting them up when plants are dormant. Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free