Ripens: Spring

Height at Maturity:  4-6' 

Width at Maturity:  4-6'

Spacing:  3-4 feet for solid hedge; 10'+ for space between plants

Soil Type:  Clay (well-draining), Loam, Sandy, Silt - prefers organically rich soil

Drainage/Soil Moisture:  Moist But Well Drained (Tolerates Occasionally Dry or Wet Soils)

Soil pH:  5.0 to 7.5

Prized for its ornamental beauty and edible fruits, the Viking Black Aronia is a black-berryed North American native Chokeberry providing multiple seasons of interest in the landscape. This ornamental beauty starts in spring with profuse clusters of fragrant, pretty, 5-petaled, 1-inch flowers with white petals surrounding cute pink stamens that the butterflies and beneficial pollinators will appreciate. Following the flowers are equally abundant edible berries in shades of deep purple to blue-black that you and the birds can enjoy. Considered a superfruit, the berries are edible but are a little on the tart side for fresh eating; however, they can be blended with other sweet fruits to make refreshing drinks or added to homemade muffins, cakes, or pies. They can also be mixed with sugar to make jam, purees, syrups, and other tasty treats and desserts. The rich green foliage is attractive through summer, turning to brilliant shades of red with the arrival of cooler temperatures in fall. A versatile plant, Viking is excellent for naturalized and urban settings, and tolerates pollution. It thrives in almost any moist to boggy native soil, tolerates cold temperatures down to -40F, loves sun or part shade, and tolerates dry periods when established. What more can we ask for in a flowering, fruit-bearing shrub?