Description
Aronia adapts to a range of soil types and produces some of the most healthful berries that we can grow in Canada. These amazing shrubs are renowned for their phytonutrient rich berries, giving them the reputation as a medicinal powerhouse. They are able to thrive in really cold conditions as well as soil that is wet where a lot of other fruit trees couldn’t survive. They also do well in drier contexts. The berries are not very good eaten fresh and have astringency, but where they really shine is in juices and when dried. Mix them with apples for an amazing fruit leather. They make great preserves mixed with other fruits and can be added to all kinds of beverages.
Aronia is also a great choice if you like planting things for wildlife. The berries hang on into the winter months to provide food for birds in the coldest season. They fruit quite well in part sun, making them a great addition to the lower understory of a food forest. Their bright wine red fall colour and showy spring flowers are also something to rave about!
Important Information
Aronia grows to around 5 ft tall, making it perfect for small spaces or as a hedge. They tolerate most soil types, but prefer consistent moisture. They are self fertile. They will produce fruit in part sun, but will produce more in full sun.
| Latin name | Aronia Meloncarpa |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-8 |
| Height | 6-8 ft |
| Spread | 5-8 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun-part shade |
| Average year to bear fruit | 3-5 |
| Harvest Time | late summer early autumn |
| Soil | any soil, although they prefer moist soil |
| Flower Time | Spring |
| Pollination | self fertile |
