Aronia prunifolia Viking

The Aronia x prunifolia 'Viking' is a very decorative bush, with dark green foliage that turns reddish-purple in autumn, and clusters of white flowers followed by large black fruits which are well-known to gourmets.

Hailing from the eastern United States, this very small, 2m (6 to 7 ft) tall, very hardy bush with a suckering habit is compact and upright. The deciduous leaves are alternate, single, ovate and finely dentate, 4 to 7cm (1.6 - 2.8in) long and dark green turning a fiery red, slightly purplish, in autumn. In June, the white flowers, which are sometimes tinged with pink, are 2cm (0.8in) in diameter and grouped in corymbs. They are very numerous and nectar-rich. Also called "Black Chokeberry", its large black fruits which taste similar to blackcurrant, are edible in jam and are much appreciated by birds.

The fast-growing Aronia prunifolia 'Viking' thrives in light, moist, humus-bearing, and well-drained soil in a non-scorching, sunny or semi-shaded location. In shade and in limestone soil, the colours are duller. Prune all the branches by half their length at the end of winter. It is naturally resistant to diseases and parasites.

Aronia prunifolia 'Viking' can be used as a standalone plant, in informal or rustic hedges or in flower beds, but for a more spectacular effect, plant it in groups of 3 to 6 specimens of the same variety.