Chokeberry Aronia × prunifolia 'Viking' (F)
ABOUT
The Viking Aronia, known for its beauty and resilience, is a deciduous shrub that presents a lush display of features throughout the year. It has broad leaves that exhibit a glossy, deep green hue during the growing season, creating a dense and robust foliage. These leaves are generally oval-shaped with slight serrations along the edges, adding texture to the plant's appearance. As the seasons change, the Viking Aronia provides a striking autumnal display when its leaves turn to a vibrant red or purple color, signaling the transition to cooler weather. In springtime, the Viking Aronia is adorned with clusters of delicate white flowers, each with multiple petals radiating around a center of subtle pinkish stamens. The blooms are not only visually appealing but also a draw for pollinators such as bees. Following the flowering period, the plant produces its notable fruit: small, round, dark berries that are often described as being black. These berries are tightly packed in clusters and have a glossy sheen, which stands out against the foliage. The fruit is not just an ornamental feature; it is also appreciated for its nutritional value. The Viking Aronia is sometimes called "chokeberry" because of the tart and astringent taste of the berries, which can make your mouth feel dry when eaten raw. However, these berries are often processed and used in various culinary applications, such as juices, jams, or baked goods, where their flavor can be balanced and complemented with other ingredients. As the seasons cycle, the Viking Aronia continues to provide year-round interest with its changing foliage, spring flowers, and attractive berries, making it a valued addition to gardens and landscaping designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Purple Chokeberry, Viking Chokeberry, Viking Aronia
Common names
Aronia prunifolia 'Viking', Photinia melanocarpa 'Viking', Pyrus melanocarpa 'Viking'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chokeberry (Aronia × prunifolia 'Viking') is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, its berries are often consumed for their antioxidant properties. However, as with any plant material, consuming excessive amounts can potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to the fiber content.
To pets
Chokeberry (Aronia × prunifolia 'Viking') is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. However, it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms may include vomiting or diarrhea, but serious toxicity is unlikely.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Ornamental: Adds visual appeal to gardens with its dark green foliage, white flowers, and deep purple-black berries.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including hedges, screens, or as a stand-alone specimen plant.
- Wildlife Attractor: Berries provide a food source for birds and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity.
- Durable: Tolerates a range of soil types and conditions, including wet soils, making it suitable for various environments.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for those who desire a beautiful garden without excessive effort.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with foliage that turns red in the fall and persistent berries through winter.
- Cold Hardy: Thrives in colder climates, making it a good choice for northern gardens where other plants may not survive.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Chokeberry contains high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: The anthocyanins in chokeberry may also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation-related diseases.
- Cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest chokeberry may support cardiovascular health by improving blood pressure and reducing blood lipid levels.
- Immune support: The high vitamin C content in chokeberry can contribute to the functioning of a healthy immune system.
- Blood sugar regulation: Chokeberry may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for people with diabetes.
- Gastrointestinal health: Due to its fiber content, chokeberry may assist in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- Antimicrobial: There is some evidence that chokeberry may have antimicrobial properties against certain pathogens.
- Cancer research: While not used as a treatment, there is research exploring the chemopreventive potential of chokeberry's compounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aronia × prunifolia 'Viking', or chokeberry, can be used for natural dyeing, as its deep purple berries produce strong and lasting color on fabrics and yarns.
- The chokeberry can be utilized in landscaping to create wildlife habitats, offering food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
- Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in gardens and orchards.
- The wood of chokeberry shrubs can be used in small-scale woodworking projects, such as crafting tool handles or decorative items.
- Chokeberry plants can be used in erosion control, as their root systems help stabilize soil on slopes and riverbanks.
- They serve as a windbreak when planted in rows, reducing wind velocity and protecting smaller plants or crops.
- The fallen leaves of chokeberry provide a natural mulch, enriching the soil as they decompose and deter weed growth.
- Chokeberries can be used as a natural food coloring agent for homemade jams, jellies, and pastries, giving them a vibrant hue.
- Branches and foliage can be gathered to create rustic and natural decorative wreaths, centerpieces, or bouquet accents.
- In permaculture design, chokeberry can be incorporated as part of a food forest or an edible landscape due to its low maintenance and high yield.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chokeberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chokeberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Resilience: The 'Viking' Aronia, also known as Purple Chokeberry, is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adversity.
- Endurance: As a plant that can live and produce fruit for many years, the Purple Chokeberry represents endurance and long-lasting presence.
- Adaptation: Because of its adaptability to different soils and environments, the Purple Chokeberry symbolizes flexibility and the ability to succeed in various circumstances.
- Protection: With its rich antioxidant content, the Purple Chokeberry could symbolize protection and taking care of one’s health.
WaterChokeberry 'Viking' prefers consistent moisture, particularly in dry periods, but does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. During hotter weeks, watering may need to increase to twice a week. An established chokeberry can typically require around 1 gallon per watering session, depending on the size and conditions, such as heat and wind that may dry the soil out more quickly.
LightChokeberry 'Viking' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is also acceptable, particularly in regions with very intense midday sun, to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureChokeberry 'Viking' is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle the heat of the summer months. The ideal growing temperature for chokeberry 'Viking' is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and fruit production.
PruningPrune chokeberry 'Viking' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This encourages healthy growth, removes dead or damaged wood, and can help maintain the desired shape. This plant can also be pruned after fruiting to rejuvenate older plants and ensure prolific berry production in the following seasons. Annual pruning is sufficient for maintaining plant health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Viking Chokeberry prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 6.5. For the best soil mix, combine garden soil, compost, and peat moss in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Remember to avoid overly wet or dry conditions, which can harm the plant.
RepottingViking Chokeberry plants, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Repotting is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins, using a slightly larger pot to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingViking Chokeberry plants are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but typically prefer average humidity found in most outdoor environments. They do not have specific humidity requirements when grown in their natural outdoor setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, maintain moist soil, prune annually.
Outdoor
Choose sunny to partial shade, ensure well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Purple Chokeberry 'Viking', a deciduous shrub, begins its life cycle with seed germination in the spring after a period of cold stratification that breaks seed dormancy. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, developing into juvenile plants with characteristic dark green leaves and woody stems. As the shrub matures, it enters the flowering stage in late spring, producing clusters of white to light pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into clusters of purple-black berries by late summer, which are consumed by birds and wildlife, aiding in seed dispersal. Throughout its life, the 'Viking' will undergo periods of vegetative growth and dormancy annually, with foliage turning vibrant red in the fall before leaf drop. Once established, the shrub can live and reproduce for several years, with the ability to spread by suckering and forming dense thickets.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Aronia × prunifolia 'Viking', commonly known as Viking Chokeberry, is a plant that can be propagated in various ways, but the most popular method is by softwood cuttings. This technique is typically done in late spring or early summer, when new growth is mature enough to be firm but still retains flexibility. To successfully propagate using this method, gardeners cut a 4- to 6-inch piece of stem, making sure it has several leaves and at least one node. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots have formed, which usually takes several weeks. During this period, keeping the cutting in a humid environment and providing gentle warmth can promote the rooting process. Once the cutting has rooted and begins to show new growth, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
