Aronia prunifolia 'Aron'

– Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies

– Berries attract birds, especially in late fall and early winter

– Shrubby form provides cover for wildlife

– Spring: White flower clusters bloom

– Summer: Glossy green foliage; green fruit forming

– Fall: Leaves turn brilliant red-purple; fruit ripens to deep purple

– Winter: Dark berries often persist; upright stems offer structure

– Edible landscapes – wildlife and pollinator gardens – mass plantings – hedgerows – rain gardens – naturalized areas – erosion control – fall interest plantings

– Glossy green, oval leaves, with finely serrated edges

– Turns vibrant red to reddish-purple in fall

– One of the best small shrubs for autumn color

– Flat clusters of small white to pale pink flowers in mid to late spring

– Slightly fragrant

– Lasts about 1–2 weeks

– Pollinator-friendly and visually appealing

– Site selection: Choose a location with full sun to part shade; more sun = better flowering and fruiting

– Soil requirements: Adaptable to many soils – thrives in moist, well-drained, loamy or sandy soils

– Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range (pH 5.0–7.5)

– Planting depth: Plant with the top of the root ball at soil level

– Spacing: Space 3–5 feet apart for hedging or 5–8 feet as a specimen

– Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

– Best planting time: Spring or fall

– When: Late winter or early spring while dormant

– How: Remove oldest stems at ground level every 3–5 years to rejuvenate

– Thin crowded growth to improve air circulation and berry production

– Can be pruned lightly for shape after flowering if needed

– Moderate

– Tolerates some drought once established

– Performs best with consistent moisture, especially during fruit development

– Avoid soggy soil

– Performs best in full sun

– Can tolerate light shade, but fruiting and fall color may be reduced

– Harvest time: Late August to early September, depending on location

– Harvest when berries turn deep purple and soften slightly

– Best harvested before heavy frost to preserve flavor

– Can be used fresh or frozen for later use

– Typically does not need fertilizing in average garden soil

– In poor soils, apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in spring

– Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaves at the expense of fruit

– Self-fertile

– Pollinated by bees, flies, and other small insects

– Cross-pollination can improve yield, but not necessary

– Vaccinium (blueberry) – similar soil and fruiting season

– Amelanchier alnifolia – multi-season interest and edible berries

– Solidago or Echinacea – native pollinator plants

– Miscanthus or Panicum – ornamental grasses for backdrop and fall texture

– Rudbeckia or Monarda – color contrast and native plant synergy