ARONIA VIKING
Looking to grow a hardy, productive fruit shrub with year-round interest? Aronia ‘Viking’ (chokeberry) is an easy-to-grow shrub valued for its spring flowers, nutritious berries, and outstanding fall colour.
QUICK FACTS
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade (best fruiting in full sun)
- Soil: Adaptable; prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
- Planting time: Spring or fall
- Water: Regular watering during establishment
- Cold hardy and suitable for Canadian growing conditions
PLANTING & CARE
Plant Aronia ‘Viking’ in full sun to partial shade. While adaptable to many soil types, it performs best in moist, fertile, well-drained soil.
Potted plants: Plant at the same depth as they were growing in the container.
Bare-root plants: Position the crown (where stems meet roots) no more than 1 in. below the soil surface.
GROWTH & MAINTENANCE
- Blooms: Late spring to early summer
- Mature height: ~6 ft.
- Spread: 5–6 ft.
- Growth rate: Moderate
Prune annually in late winter or early spring, removing older or heavier canes to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Aronia requires minimal pruning once established.
Fertilize lightly in spring with compost or a balanced fertilizer if soil fertility is low. Excessive fertilizing is usually unnecessary.
Gardener’s reminder: Many perennial shrubs follow the “sleep, creep, leap” pattern, slow growth the first year, steady establishment the second, and vigorous growth by the third year.
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