Professor Ed Chokeberry

Planting & Care for Aronia Shrubs

Preparation

• Choose a sunny location for your aronia bush.
• Partially shady locations will work, but they won't have as many berries.
• They aren't picky in regards to liking a certain soil type. 
• They prefer moist soil conditions, but they will tolerate dry and sandy.
• Add some compost to your soil as you plant this Chokeberry shrub. 
• They can withstand wet winter and dry summers.

Opening Plant Material

• Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove from the container.

Planting

• You can plant in early spring. 
• In light soils that parch quickly, mulch in spring with moisture-conversing, bulky organics to keep roots cool and active. 
• Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
• Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
• Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
• Water frequently when newly planted. 

Pruning - After Planting

• Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• Late in its dormant season, prune some of the older branches of your bush down to the ground to promote a new growth and a bushier form. Harvest your aronia berries late in the fall when they taste ripe. You can even wait until after a light freeze.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as oft en as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• For the first couple years try to keep the moisture consistent. Water once or twice a week to provide an approximate inch of water a week to the plant. Once the plant is mature, it will require less water and will be more adaptable to whatever moisture Mother Nature provides.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information on container plants and how to plant them.