Maintenance Landscaping Design

Black chokeberry is a plant that grows in wet areas, such as bogs and swamps. It is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year. The black chokeberry is a member of the rose family. It has dark green leaves and black berries. The berries are edible and are often used in pies and jams.

Popular name

• Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry)
  
• Aronia prunifolia (black chokeberry)
  
• Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry)
  
• Aronia rubiginosa (red chokeberry)
  
• Aronia grape

Things to Know

• The black chokeberry is a native North American plant.
  
• The scientific name for the black chokeberry is Aronia melanocarpa.
  
• The black chokeberry is a member of the rose family.
  
• The black chokeberry is a deciduous shrub.
  
• The black chokeberry grows to a height of 3-6 feet.
  
• The black chokeberry has dark green leaves.
  
• The black chokeberry produces black berries.
  
• The black chokeberry is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
  
• The black chokeberry is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade.
  
• The black chokeberry is a food source for a variety of birds and other animals.

Related plant:
Buddleja Black Knight

How to Grow

1. For black chokeberry, first step is to find a good location. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soils.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and debris. loosen the topsoil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm).
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant.
   
5. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
6. Apply a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch around the plant, but not touching the stem.
   
7. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season.
   
8. Fertilize the plant in early spring with an all-purpose fertilizer.
   
9. Prune the plant in late winter to shape.
   
10. Enjoy the fruit in summer!

Related plant:
Black Willow

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, black chokeberry grows best in moist to wet soils that are acidic. It can tolerate some shade, but does best in full sun. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, black chokeberry needs sun to grow and produce fruit. The amount of sun required depends on the variety of black chokeberry. Some need full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade. Full sun means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Partial shade means the plant gets some direct sun, but also some shade during the day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions required for black chokeberry to grow are cool temperatures early in the season followed by warm temperatures later in the season. Black chokeberry is a plant that is native to North America and can be found in woods and swamps. The flowers of the black chokeberry are white and have five petals. The berries of the black chokeberry are black and have a sour taste.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity is too high, it will encourage the growth of mold and mildew on the plant. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dried out and stressed.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant is not fussy. A good all-purpose fertilizer will work just fine. Be sure to fertilize regularly during the growing season for best results. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so be careful not to disturb them when you are working in the garden.

Plant Pruning

Pruning black chokeberry is important to control its size and shape, as well as to encourage new growth and fruit production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Simply remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Cut back remaining branches by one-third to one-half their length. Doing this will help keep the plant compact and encourage lots of new growth and fruit.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and be 5-8 inches long. Use a sharp knife or pruners to make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Stick the cuttings into a prepared bed of perlite, vermiculite or sand. The bed should be moist but not wet. Keep the cuttings moist and in a bright, indirect light until roots form, which should be in 4-8 weeks. Once the roots are established, pot the plants up and grow them on in a bright, indirect light until they are ready to be transplanted into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on young plants in controlled settings. However, a few studies on older black chokeberries in natural settings suggest that the growth rate of these plants may be quite variable. One study found that the average height growth of black chokeberries was just over two feet per year, while the average width growth was just over one foot per year. However, another study found that the average height growth of black chokeberries was just under two feet per year, while the average width growth was just under one foot per year. It is unclear why there is such discrepancy in the growth rates of black chokeberries, but it is possible that the different studies were conducted in different environments or that the plants in the different studies were of different ages.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are powdery mildew, stem canker, and dieback. These problems are typically caused by fungal diseases. To prevent these problems, it is important to plant black chokeberry in an area with good air circulation and to prune and thin the plant regularly.

Basics of Growing

• If you're growing black chokeberry from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  
• Sow the seeds on the surface of moist, sterile potting mix and cover with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite.
  
• Place the seed-starting tray in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and keep the mix moist but not soggy.
  
• Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that each plant has its own space.
  
• Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
  
• Harden off the plants before planting them outdoors in early to mid-spring.
  
• Choose a planting site in full sun to partial shade.
  
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  
• Water the plants regularly during the growing season, especially during dry periods.
  
• Fertilize

Similar Plants

• Black-fruited Cornel (Cornus amomum)
  
• Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
  
• Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)
  
• Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
  
• Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
  
• Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)
  
• Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
  
• Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
  
• Cut-leaved Cornel (Cornus controversa)
  
• Purple chokeberry (Aronia prunifolia)

Source:
Plant Description and Habitat of Aronia (black chokeberry ...
BLACK CHOKEBERRY-ARONIA MELANOCARPA | The UFOR …
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)-Hort Answers