Easy to grow

black chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa 'Ground Hug'

Overview

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Ground Hug') is an amazing plant species due to its hardiness to a wide range of temperatures and its wide tolerance of soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and can even tolerate wet soils. A fast-growing deciduous shrub, Black Chokeberry produces eye-catching clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring that are followed by glossy black berries. Its fall foliage colour of a deep purple-red is breathtaking. It is an ideal choice for shrub borders, hedges, or as a focal specimen. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant, and low maintenance — no pruning required!

Care Guide

💧

Watering

It is important to water your black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Ground Hug') regularly to ensure it thrives. During the growing season, the plant needs to be watered deeply once a week, so about 1 inch of water should be applied. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely, so soil moisture should be monitored frequently. During periods of extreme heat or drought, the plant will need more frequent watering. In the winter months, the watering should be reduced, with only occasional and very shallow watering necessary.

☀️

Light

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Ground Hug') should receive full sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours per day. This plant species will grow best when planted in an area that receives direct sunlight during the morning hours and a few hours of direct sunlight during the afternoon hours. When grown in partial shade, it may produce fewer and smaller fruits. A well-drained sandy or loamy soil is best for this plant species. When grown in soils with lower fertility, fertilizer may be necessary to maintain healthy growth and vigor.

🪴

Soil

Sandy Clay Rocky

🌡️

Temperature

Hardiness zone 3–8.

✂️

Pruning

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Ground Hug') should be pruned right after flowering or late winter after a period of dormancy. Pruning should be minimal, with only dead or crossing branches removed. By thinning the canopy, sunlight will be able to reach the inner branches for better flowering and fruiting. If possible, reduce the number of branches by about 1-third to promote strong growth. To maintain good form and size, pruning should be done annually.

🔬

Propagation

Seed Propagation, Greenwood Cuttings, Greenwood Cuttings

Uses & Symbolism

Attracts: Birds.

Diseases & Pests

Common pests: Fungal leaf spot, Rust.

← Back to Encyclopedia

Other plants you might like if you grow black chokeberry.

Browse all →