Aronia melanocarpa viking is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of this plant are dark green and have a glossy appearance. The flowers of the aronia melanocarpa viking are white and they bloom in the springtime. The fruit of this plant is a blackberry-like fruit that is edible. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Related plant:
Aronia Arbutifolia Brilliant
Related plant:
Aronia Brilliantissima
About soil condition, aronia melanocarpa viking bush can grow in various types of soils such as sandy, loamy, and even clay type soils. This Viking bush has a deep root system that helps it to be tolerant to both drought and flooding conditions. Also, the Bush is said to be resistant to many types of soil-borne diseases.
Not too different with other members of the Aronia genus, the Viking Aronia melanocarpa is a sun-loving plant that needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. While it can tolerate partial shade, it will produce the best fruit yield when given plenty of sunlight. If you live in an area with long, hot summers, this aronia berry plant is a good choice for you.
The temperature condition during the growth of aronia melanocarpa viking is extremely important. If the temperature is too low, the plant will not be able to produce fruit. If the temperature is too high, the fruit will not be as sweet as it could be. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 60%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. If the air is too humid, the leaves will start to turn yellow and brown and the plant may develop root rot.
Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't require too much nutrients. Just a little bit of organic material in the early spring should suffice. Root-wise, the plant is very tolerant of different kinds of soil. It can even thrive in temporary wet or swampy conditions.
Pruning aronia melanocarpa viking is important to encourage new growth and maintain the health of the plant. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, cut back any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Propagation is best done by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the tips of the current season's growth. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is approximately 6-8 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a moist, well-drained rooting medium and water well. Place the cutting in a shady location out of direct sunlight. Keep the rooting medium moist but not wet. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and summer. However, some growth may still occur during the fall season. The amount of growth will depend on the amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients available to the plant.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, aphids, and caterpillars. These can all be controlled with the proper chemical treatments and/or by hand picking the pests off the plant.
Source:
Aronia: Beautiful and Healthy - SDSU Extension
Aronia A. melanocarpa A. mitschurinii - North Dakota State University
(PDF) Bagged Aronia Melanocarpa tea: Phenolic Profile ... - Academia.edu
