Red Chokeberry - Aronia arbutifolia

Red Chokeberry is a stunning autumn specimen with its bright red leaves matched with its delightful red berries. It is native to eastern North America growing naturally in thickets.

The flowers of this cheerful shrub are five-petaled and present as a pinky white color. The stamens of each flower are bright pink, which contrast with the petals in an elegant and delicate manner. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, and once pollinated, the subsequent berries will bring a myriad of wildlife to the garden.

Plant Details - Red Chokeberry

Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 6–10 ft

Spread: 3–6 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: White to light pink

Fruit: Bright red berries

Wildlife Value: Fruits provide food for birds and mammals

While the berries are edible, they are bitter and very astringent. The common name ‘chokeberry’ comes from the fact that the berries are so bitter you may choke when you eat them. They are extremely high in antioxidants and are usually sweetened to be made palatable. They are commonly used to make jams, or chutneys, and can even be used to make wine.

Once the leaves of the Red Chokeberry start to transition in autumn, they begin orange and slowly turn to a purply red. Once defoliated, the bark of this robust shrub is exposed, showing off reddish-brown stems and branches which add an element of appeal to your winter garden.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Red Chokeberry

Overall, this shrub is resilient, low maintenance, and easy to grow. It grows well across a range of soil conditions, including both wet and dry conditions. It will tolerate periods of flooding as well. It can grow in either full sun or part shade, however best fruiting is achieved in full sun conditions.

This shrub spreads via sucker and will eventually form colonies if left to grow unhindered. It can be used in mass plantings or as a part of a mixed shrub hedge.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Edible berries, attractive to wildlife, easy to grow

Plant this shrub in your garden to enjoy a myriad of wildlife feasting on the profuse berries of this productive plant year after year. Shop for Red Chokeberry shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) thrives in well-drained soil and prefers acidic to neutral pH. Trim annually to keep shape and remove dead wood. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.

Plant Reproduction

Red Chokeberry spreads through suckers, forming colonies.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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