Low Scape® Mound Aronia Plant

Low Scape Mound® Aronia is a versatile, compact deciduous shrub known for its attractive foliage, white spring flowers, and black summer berries, and colorful fall color. This cultivar of Aronia melanocarpa, commonly known as black chokeberry, is prized for its neat, mounding habit and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for a variety of landscape uses.

Low Scape Mound typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and spreads about 2 feet wide, forming a dense, mounded shape. The glossy, dark green leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall, providing stunning seasonal interest. In the spring, this shrub produces clusters of small, white flowers that cover the plant and attract pollinators. By late summer, black berries appear, adding another layer of interest and serving as a food source for birds and other wildlife. This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Low Scape Mound Aronia thrives in full sun to partial shade, performing best with more sunlight but tolerating some shade. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate wet conditions. Regular watering is essential during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant.

Minimal pruning is required for Low Scape Mound. If necessary, prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. This shrub typically does not require much fertilization, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support healthy growth if the soil is poor. Low Scape Mound® Aronia is relatively pest and disease-resistant, contributing to its low-maintenance appeal.

Ideal for adding structure and seasonal color to mixed borders and garden beds, Low Scape Mound Aronia also serves as an excellent groundcover option due to its dense, mounded habit. The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries provide food for birds and other wildlife, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens. Its spreading root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for erosion control on slopes and banks. Low Scape Mound® Aronia is a compact, versatile shrub that offers year-round interest with its attractive foliage, flowers, and berries, making it a valuable addition to any garden landscape.

Aronia Berry Companion Plants: Asclepia, Grasses, Spiraea

Proven Winners® Low Scape Mound® Aronia melanocarpa 'UCONNAM165' USPP 28,789, Can PBRAF

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall to allow for root establishment
• - Space plants 3-6 feet apart to allow for full growth and air circulation

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 5.5-6.5, prefers acidic, well-drained soil
• - Enrich soil with organic matter to enhance nutrient availability

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system
• - Once established, Aronia is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth and berry production
• - Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit yield

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune in late winter to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant
• - Older plants can be rejuvenated by cutting back hard every few years to stimulate new growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally resistant to pests and diseases; monitor for common issues like leaf spot or powdery mildew
• - Treat any fungal diseases with organic fungicides to maintain plant health

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-8
• - Tolerates cold winters and fluctuating spring temperatures well