Aronia Viking

Season Overview

Description

The chokeberry, also known as black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), bare chokeberry or black rowan, is a shrub that grows up to 2 m high and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is frost-hardy down to -35°C, salt-tolerant, not very susceptible to diseases and pests, very rich in vitamins and is also used as a source of dye. The green leaves turn bright red when the berries ripen in the fall. The flowers of the shrub are white. Its berries are spherical and up to 8.5 mm thick. They ripen from aubergine-colored to glossy black. Like apples, the berries also have a core and are ready to harvest as soon as the inside of the berry is colored through.

Growing tips

As the shrub forms root runners, it should be provided with a generously dimensioned root barrier. Shrubs in pots can be planted almost all year round. They do not require pruning. With bare-rooted shrubs, however, all damaged shoots should be removed and all others shortened by about half. The main roots should also be freshly pruned and broken pieces removed. Fertilization is not necessary, but the shrub is grateful for an occasional dose. Cut out the oldest shoots every 2-3 years. Shorten new shoots by 1/3 in spring for better branching. The shrub can also be easily integrated into a hedge. Popular with insects.

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

80 cm

Row spacing

80 cm

Seeding depth

30 cm