Red Chokeberry is a native shrub commonly found in the Eastern United States. Suitable for Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, it grows from six to ten feet high and from three to five feet wide. The plant is easily propagated from seeds, cuttings, or divisions and has multiseasonal appeal for lawns and gardens.
The Lovely Appearance Of Red Chokeberry
In landscaping applications, it is an ornamental plant that produces tiny, delicate blossoms in early spring. During summer, the plant has dark green leaves that turn deep red, purple, or orange in the autumn. In September, the plant produces its namesake red berries. The glossy berries grow in colorful clusters that last until mid-winter. The shrub is also suitable for creating borders for water features, such as ponds, as the plant tolerates wet, boggy conditions well.
Benefits Of Planting The Shrub
It is also suitable for erosion control along embankments and other erosion-prone areas. It is also an excellent option for borders, alone in a mass planting, or as a single addition to mixed shrubs. This versatile thrives in well-drained, moist soil. While it tolerates partial shade well, locations with full sun are ideal for growing shrubs that produce vivid fall foliage and abundant winter berries.
Red Chokeberry Is Very Hardy
Red Chokeberry is resistant to drought, pests, and disease and can withstand salt exposure and pollution. During summer, the glossy leaves are dark green with a grey underside that feels fuzzy. The leaves develop alternately along the slender, brown branches and are obovate-shaped with finely serrated margins.
The Red Chokeberry bush has slender stems that are thinner at the base. The clusters of white or pink flowers have five petals and are about 1/3 inch in diameter, while the red berries are about 1/4 inch in diameter. When allowed to remain on the plants, the berries attract various birds during late winter when food is scarce.