Aronia × prunifolia 'Viking' (F)
purple chokeberry 'Viking'
An upright, deciduous shrub with matt dark green leaves that turn dark purple-red in autumn. Profuse, large clusters of pink-tinged white flowers are borne in late spring; large purple-black berries follow. Height to 2m
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Black Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Potentially harmful
- The berries are edible, but bitter raw, and this tree is usually grown as an ornamental plant rather than to provide a crop of fruit in the UK
- Genus
Aronia are deciduous shrubs with simple leaves that colour well in autumn, and clusters of small white, hawthorn-like flowers followed by black, red or purple berries. These berries are edible, but are very astringent when raw; they may attract birds
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil (except shallow soil over chalk) in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, propagate by suckers when plants are dormant and pot up
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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