Deciduous shrubs – non-flowering – Black Chokeberry

Black chokeberry 

Botanical name: aronia melanocarpa 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 3-5 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 3-8 

Foliage color: green, yellow, orange, red 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired size and shape in the spring

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: borders, naturalized areas, mass planting, hedges 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators, disease resistant, water tolerant 

Watering instructions: water when the first 2 inches of soil have dried out 

Fertilizing instructions : use an all purpose plant food slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: coneflower, coral bells, salvia, oakleaf hydrangea 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no