Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'
Red Chokeberry
Type Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range 4B to 9A
Height 6' to 8' / 1.80m to 2.40m
Spread 36" to 4' / 90cm to 1.20m
Growth rate Average
Form Oval
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Deciduous
Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Spring
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.
Leaf Color Green
Fall Color Red
This plant has attractive fall colors.
Culture Notes 'Brilliantissima' received a Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for 2000. Spreading by seeds and suckers, Chokeberry transplants well, has a moderate growth rate and is very hardy. Attractive in borders and clumps, Chokeberry thrives in moist soil but will tolerate dry soils in sun or partial shade, also growing in coastal areas. Chokeberry is much prized for natural landscapes due to its easy care and the popularity of the berries to wildlife. Can tolerate wet soil along ditch banks and other tough spots. Plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae.
Planting and establishing shrubsThe most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.
Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.
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