Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic'

Black Chokecherry

Deciduous Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
Sometimes a workhorse gets a bad rap, but this selection of black chokecherry provides year-round interest and a durable demeanor. White hawthorn-like flowers are produced in abundance during spring followed by dark purple-black berries in autumn along with firery red and dusky purple coloring to the foliage. 'Autumn Magic' is more compact growing than the average species of Aronia melanocarpa and the fruit is a touch larger than the norm. While the berries are edible they are quite astringent so they are not usually eaten fresh; however, they can be made into jelly, syrup, or juice with an adequate sweetener. They are usually a last choice for feeding by birds, but they last into winter and provide sustenance when all the tastier fruits are long gone.

Culture Notes
Plant in full sun for best flowering and fall color. The soil should be well-drained, although it has a wide range of soil tolerance including boggy or wet soils. For well-draining or sandy soils water regularly for best growth and fruit production." Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Exposure: Full Sun

Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Description

Size: 36" - 72" tall x 36" - 48" wide
Shape / Form: Upright
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attractive Foliage, Attracts Birds, Flowers, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest

Foliage Color: Green
Fall Color: Red, Red Orange

Flower Color: White
Bloom Season: Spring

Fruit Description: Bird / Wildlife Forage, Black, Culinary Value

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Erosion Control, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Habitat, Hedges and Screens, Mixed Border
Special Situations: Wet Soil Tolerant
Wildlife: Birds

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Late Fall / Early Winter, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Suitable Substitutes

Aronia arbutifolia | Red Chokeberry

Perfect Partners

Buxus microphylla 'Golden Triumph' | Japanese boxwood
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Burgundy Bunny' | Burgundy Bunny Fountain Grass