The aronia bush, which originally comes from North America, also thrives excellently in Central European and Northern German climates. The plant is considered easy to care for and produces high yields. The fruits, which are similar to blueberries, taste sour-sweet and contain a lot of vitamins and are also rich in iron and antioxidants. Aronia berries can be processed in many ways.
How do I plant an aronia bush correctly?
Planting the aronia bush optimally: Choose a sunny or semi-shady location and loosen the soil well. Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball, cover the root ball with soil and water liberally. The ideal time to plant is in autumn.
Which location is optimal?
A sunny or partially shaded location is optimal.
What soil qualities does the shrub need?
The aronia bush is both undemanding and very adaptable: it grows and thrives in almost all soils. Nutrient-poor soils can be enriched with compost fertilizer (€15.00 on Amazon) and/or humus for the best possible growth. The plants love moist soil, but also thrive on sandy or clay soil. Plants on sandy soils should be watered frequently, while on clay soils the formation of waterlogging should be avoided. Even slightly s alty or acidic soils do not harm the aronia bush. The ideal pH value is between 6.0 and 6.5.
What is the best way to plant my aronia bush?
The aronia bush has deep roots, which is why you should dig up and loosen the soil thoroughly before planting. Now dig a planting hole whose circumference is approximately twice the size of the root ball. Fill the bale with loose soil and press it firmly. Make sure the root ball is covered with soil. However, the plant should not be too deep in the ground. Then water the plant abundantly. For potted bushes that are already well rooted, it makes sense to soak the root ball with water before planting.
At what distance should I plant the bushes?
Depending on the variety, a planting distance of between one and one and a half meters is recommended. Large-growing varieties such as Rubina even require a distance of 1.80 meters. If a hedge is to be planted, you should choose a distance of around half a meter.
When should I plant an aronia bush?
Aronia bushes are available commercially as “bare-root” bushes or as potted bushes that are already well rooted. Bare-rooted shrubs should be planted at the end of winter. However, the prerequisite is that there is no longer any frost on the ground. Well-rooted plants can also be planted in summer, but then they will no longer bear fruit in the same year. However, the ideal planting time is in autumn or late autumn.
How often should I water and/or fertilize?
The aronia bush is very easy to care for: you usually don't have to fertilize it at all or very rarely. Regular watering is actually not necessary unless the summer is very hot and dry.
When and how do I have to prune the shrub?
Offcuts are only rarely necessary. You should prune your aronia bush for the first time after about four to seven years. You can tell the optimal time for this by the width of the growth: If the bush is so wide that no flowers are formed inside, it is time for a cut. This is best done in late autumn.
What diseases are there and what can I do about them?
The shrub is extremely robust and only very rarely develops diseases.
When does the bush bloom and how does fertilization occur?
Chokeberries bloom in May. Pure white flowers can be seen for about 10 days. The shrub is self-pollinating, but is also often visited by bees. Fertilization by bees, bumblebees and other insects results in a higher fruit yield. For this reason, it may be worthwhile for beekeepers to place their bee carts near these bushes.
When can I harvest?
An aronia plant usually bears its first fruits in its second year. The main harvest time is from the end of August until well into September.
I want to propagate my aronia bushes. What is the best way to proceed?
Aronia bushes can easily be propagated via their fruits, but also via cuttings and so-called root shoots. To grow new bushes, collect the seeds from the fruits. You can use these seeds to grow new plants in pots on the windowsill. However, propagation is easier via cuttings and even easier via already rooted root shoots. You should take cuttings or root shoots in the spring, before they are sprouted.
What do I have to do in winter?
Aronia bushes are extremely easy to care for in this respect too. Most varieties survive even harsh winters with temperatures down to -35 °C very well. Even freezing rain, snow and other cold inconveniences do not harm the plant. However, you can make the earth frost-proof with fir branches, coconut or cork mats and thus better protect your plants.
Tips & Tricks
To grow a bushy aronia hedge, you should prune the bushes in the first and second year. All you need to do is shorten the basic shoots. However, severe pruning is not recommended, otherwise no flowers and therefore no fruit will be produced the following year.
