Species black chokeberry
black fruits with pink-green petioles, green leaves, and brown branches

black chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY

Also Known As - Chokeberry
The Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY) is an amazing plant species for any garden, as it offers a multitude of benefits. Not only are its dark, glossy foliage and white blooms a beautiful addition to any yard, but the edible fruit is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins that support health. Its strong root system is also excellent for soil stabilization, making it useful for areas prone to erosion. Along with being cold-hardy and drought tolerant, this versatile shrub can be planted in sunny or shaded areas, and won’t take over your yard, as it stays relatively short. This little shrub packs a big punch of beauty and convenience.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sandy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Black chokeberry should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the soil temperature and moisture levels. During warmer months, water the plants more frequently, up to 3 times a week. During cooler months, reduce watering to once a week. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until it begins to trickle from the pot's drainage holes. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry slightly before watering it again, to prevent root rot and other moisture related problems. Do not water the plant too frequently or it may suffer from waterlogged conditions, as this plant prefers well-drained soil.

sunlight

The black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY) is a deciduous shrub that prefers full sun in order to thrive and bloom to its fullest. It should be placed in an area of the garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably in the morning. Avoid areas that have a lot of shade or shade cast by nearby trees or structures, as this can reduce the number of flowers and foliage produced by the plant. It is best to site the shrub so that it will receive plenty of direct sunlight in the morning, followed by some light shade during the later parts of the day.

pruning

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY) should be pruned each year in late winter or early spring, usually in February or March. Pruning should be done to remove all dead or diseased branches, and thin out the canopy for better air and light penetration. This type of pruning involves cutting back stems and branches to overall shape and size of the plant. Depending on plant’s age and size, shaping it by removing 10-25% of its branches each year is recommended. Make sure to maintain the plants natural form, focusing on removing stems that are weak, overgrown, or crossing over each other. Proper pruning helps to improve the plants overall health and beauty.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY, also known as black chokeberry, typically begins in late August or early September.

Starts Flowering

Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Aronia melanocarpa 'Morton' IROQUOIS BEAUTY, also known as black chokeberry, typically begins in late August or early September.

Hardiness Map