Aronia melanocarpa Ground Hug® (Black Chokeberry)

Noted for its dwarf habit, Aronia melanocarpa Ground Hug® (Black Chokeberry) is a low-growing, spreading, deciduous shrub that adds multi-season beauty to the garden. In spring, a profusion of small, white flowers are borne in small clusters above the foliage. They are followed by round, dark purple berries. Hungry birds and other wildlife feast on them. The foliage of elliptic, finely toothed, lustrous leaves is bright green in spring and summer before turning bright shades of red and orange in fall. Tough, durable, and low care, this Black Chokeberry grows as a lush groundcover, keeping weeds out, stabilizing soil, and beautifying difficult areas. 

• Grows up to 8-14 in. tall (20-35 cm) and 36 in. wide (90 cm). Remove root suckers to prevent colonial spread.
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best fruit production generally occurs in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including boggy soils. Black Chokeberry is drought and salt tolerant.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders, open woodland gardens, and naturalized areas where its suckering, colonial growth habit does not need to be restrained. Perfect for bog gardens or near ponds and streams. Suitable as a ground cover and can be planted on banks and slopes for stabilization.
• No serious pest or disease issues, but keep an eye for leaf spots and blight.
• If you wish to prune, the best time is immediately after flowering. However, be aware that this will remove the potential for any fruit to form.
• Aronia melanocarpa is native from Newfoundland to southern Ontario and Minnesota south to Missouri, Tennessee, and Georgia.