Black Chokeberry

chokeberryautumn coloursuperfruitbird-friendlyhardy

Black Chokeberry is a compact, versatile shrub with year-round interest. In May, clusters of white blossom appear, followed by glossy black berries rich in antioxidants. In autumn, the foliage turns a spectacular red to deep purple. The plant is extremely hardy and tolerates variable soil conditions.

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Characteristics

Sun: Full sun, Partial shade
Water: Medium
Height: 100–200 cm
Spread: 100–200 cm
Hardiness zone: 3–8
Family: Rosaceae
Evergreen: No
Flower colors: white
Wildlife value: birds, bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Care guide

Plant in sun or partial shade in ordinary, moisture-retentive garden soil. Chokeberry is very tolerant of soil type and thrives even in wet or acidic ground. Water regularly in the first year; after that, the plant is self-sufficient. The berries are edible and suitable for juice and jam.

Pruning tips

Prune in late winter to maintain shape. Remove a third of the oldest stems to ground level to encourage rejuvenation. The plant tolerates hard pruning well.

Good companions

White flower clusters of Guelder Rose in a spring garden

Shrubs

Viburnum opulus

Guelder Rose

The Guelder Rose is a native shrub with broad, flat white flower clusters in May and June, followed by bright red berries in autumn. The foliage turns spectacular orange to red in the fall. The shrub provides food and shelter for birds and is a valuable addition for biodiversity.

Partial shadeMedium200–400 cm

Creamy-white elderflower clusters against a green background

Shrubs

Sambucus nigra

Elder

Elder is a native large shrub or small tree bearing flat, creamy-white flower clusters in June that release a delightfully sweet fragrance. In autumn, glossy dark purple berries follow, beloved by birds. Both flowers and berries are edible and have been used for centuries in elderflower cordial and elderberry juice.

Full sunMedium300–600 cm

Pink flower clusters of Japanese spirea in summer sunshine

Shrubs

Spiraea japonica

Japanese Spirea

Japanese spirea is a compact, free-flowering shrub with flat clusters of pink flowers from June to August. The shrub has a neat, rounded form and works perfectly in small gardens, low hedges, or as border edging. Some cultivars feature decorative yellow-green or bronze-tinted foliage.

Full sunMedium60–120 cm