Summary
Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that has several seasons of interest and deserves greater use in the home garden. This species grows 5-10’ tall and colonizes by root suckers. It performs well in full to part sun in well-drained soils of medium moisture, but can tolerate boggy, wet soils as well as clay. Red chokeberry bears numerous clusters of small, attractive white flowers in spring. In autumn, it produces a fabulous display of glossy red fruit and brilliant bronze-red fall foliage. Fruits are edible, but highly astringent, and are better suited to making jams and jellies. Plants may retain fruit through the winter into early spring, as birds often avoid eating the fruits until they have fermented. Red chokeberry integrates nicely with coastal serviceberry (Amelanchier obovalis), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana), and winterberry (Ilex verticillata). Zones 4-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
medium - Flowering Period
late-spring, mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Other Scientific Names
Pyrus arbutifolis, Photinia pyrifolia
- Fall Foliage Color
bronze-to-reddish, red - Fruit/Seed Color
red