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ShrubsFruit Edible

Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin'

black chokeberry 'Hugin'

A compact, deciduous shrub to around 2m tall with dark green leaves that turn orange and red in autumn. Small clusters of white flowers borne in late spring and early summer are followed by shiny black fruits in autumn

Synonyms
Aronia × prunifolia 'Hugin'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Orange Red Black
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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, or propagate from suckers when plants are dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 2

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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