ARONIA ARBUTIFOLIA BRILLIANTISSIMA / RED CHOKEBERRY

ARONIA ARBUTIFOLIA ‘BRILLIANTISSIMA’ / RED CHOKECHERRY

A Show-Stopping Native Shrub with Brilliant Fall Color and Fruit

Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’, commonly known as Red Chokecherry, is a stunning native shrub prized for its vibrant red fall foliage, clusters of white spring flowers, and glossy red berries in late summer. This versatile shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a range of well-drained soils, making it ideal for ornamental gardens, wildlife habitats, and naturalized landscapes.

Why Choose Red Chokecherry?

Native & Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract pollinators; berries provide food for birds and small mammals.
Brilliant Seasonal Interest: Showy white flowers in spring and spectacular red foliage in fall.
Low Maintenance: Tolerant of a variety of soil types and conditions once established.
Multi-Season Appeal: Offers color, flowers, and fruit throughout the growing season.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Dark green in summer, turning brilliant red in fall.
Flower Color: Clusters of white flowers in spring.
Fruit: Glossy red berries in late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 6–10 feet tall and 5–8 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 6–10 feet tall, 5–8 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, rounded native shrub with dense branching.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.
Flowering: Spring clusters of white flowers.
Fruit: Red berries in late summer.

Ideal Uses:

Ornamental & Specimen Plantings: Perfect for adding fall color and spring blooms.
Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens: Supports birds, bees, and other beneficial wildlife.
Borders & Naturalized Areas: Excellent for mixed shrub borders and naturalized landscapes.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Reliable and attractive with minimal care.

Red Chokecherry ‘Brilliantissima’ is a vibrant and versatile native shrub that combines ornamental beauty, ecological value, and seasonal interest. Its bold fall color, spring flowers, and wildlife-friendly berries make it a standout choice for any garden or landscape.