Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' (Red Chokeberry) Unity Grown

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' is a cultivar of chokeberry, a multi-stemmed, understory shrub native to the American east and southeast. 'Brillitantissima' is more compact than the straight species, and produces larger, glossier berries and foliage with brighter fall color

In spring, Aronia arbutifolia produces small white to light pink flower clusters, which appear along the branches. Flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and pollinators. Successfully pollinated flowers are followed by abundant clusters of red berries that persist throughout the fall and winter seasons providing birds and wildlife with late season forage, and setting a striking impression in the cooler months alongside bright red fall foliage.

'Brilliantissima' grows to six to eight feet tall, and about half as wide, and grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Although it may grow best under those conditions, however, 'Brilliantissima' is a very hard cultivar, and has a wide range of tolerances, including resistance to acidic and waterlogged soils, and tolerance of part shade conditions. More sunlight produces more flowers and a deeper red fall color, but this Aronia cultivar will also be the perfect addition to any naturalized woody area.