A Stunning Shrub to Welcome Spring
As the weather starts to warm up, you may be eager to get back into your garden. But as many northern gardeners know, a winter chill is sure to linger, with occasional temperature drops and, perhaps for some, a sprinkling of snow.
Nevertheless, despite the weather’s mood swings, spring gardening is fast approaching, and if you’re looking for a plant to create a pop in your garden, think about adding the beautiful Berry Scape™ Red Aronia (Aronia arbutifolia)! This native shrub looks brilliant in the landscape, putting on a show from spring to fall with a stunning color transformation.
Arriving in spring, Berry Scape red aronia makes a graceful entrance with delicate white flowers. As the season progresses, these fragrant blooms give way to rounded berries that shine against the green leaves. Transforming from yellow to orange and finally red, the cheerful fruit creates a gorgeous garden display that is eventually accompanied by the foliage in fall, when the leaves turn blazing red. Not just visually pleasing, this plant injects life into the garden by drawing in bees, butterflies, and birds.
Native to North America (Ontario to Texas), Berry Scape red aronia is suited for USDA zones 4-9. It is a very dependable shrub that performs in difficult conditions, including heat, drought, and almost any type of soil. It does prefer full sun to part sun, but it can grow in shady spots; however, there will likely be fewer flowers, and the fall color will be duller. Reaching a height and width of 4-5 feet, it works well for borders and low hedges.
Do note that although deer are not known to severely damage aronia, you may experience some grazing, with deer and rabbits eating the flowers in spring, which will impact the fruit. The fall color is still a lovely addition to the landscape but manage expectations if planted in a deer-heavy area.
Shrubs That Tough It Out
If you are anything like me, you might not have the greatest green thumb and often find yourself with plants that don’t quite make it. Well, here to help are Rick and Stacey in the latest episode of Gardening Simplified, titled “Plants That Are Hard to Kill.” Much like our plant of the week, these shrubs are tough and durable in the landscape. Check out the video below to create a garden you can depend on!