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About this product
Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' – Black Chokeberry (3 Litre Container, 40–50 cm)
Plant Highlights: Brilliant autumn foliage colour • White spring flowers • Glossy black berries in autumn • Compact, upright habit • Excellent for wildlife-friendly gardens
Overview
Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' is a compact deciduous shrub that provides interest across multiple seasons. Clusters of delicate white flowers appear in spring, followed by glossy black berries that develop in late summer and autumn. As the seasons change, the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange, scarlet and deep red, creating an outstanding autumn display.
Supplied in a 3 litre container at approximately 40–50 cm tall, this compact cultivar is well suited to mixed shrub borders, informal hedging and wildlife-friendly planting. Its naturally tidy habit also makes it a good choice for smaller gardens.
Plant Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' |
| Common Name | Black Chokeberry |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub |
| Container Size | 3 litre |
| Supplied Height | Approx. 40–50 cm |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Moist but well-drained soil |
| Foliage | Green, turning brilliant red and orange in autumn |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
| Fruit | Glossy black berries in autumn |
| Habit | Compact, upright, bushy |
| Mature Height | 1.5–2.5 m |
| Mature Spread | 1.5–2.5 m |
| Hardiness | RHS H6 (−20°C to −15°C). |
Growing Guide
Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. While adaptable to a range of soil types, 'Hugin' performs best where the soil does not dry out for prolonged periods. A sunny position encourages the richest autumn foliage colour and the best fruit production.
Water regularly while establishing and mulch annually to help retain soil moisture. Pruning is usually limited to removing damaged, crossing or older stems in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy framework.
Wildlife
The spring flowers provide nectar for pollinating insects, while the autumn berries are a valuable food source for birds if left on the plant into winter.
Why We Love It
'Hugin' offers something to enjoy in every season, from fresh spring flowers and glossy berries to spectacular autumn foliage. Its compact size makes it easy to incorporate into both large and small gardens without sacrificing year-round interest.
Perfect For
- Mixed shrub borders
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
- Informal hedging
- Cottage gardens
- Autumn colour displays
- Smaller gardens
Product Information
- Supplied in a 3 litre container.
- Approximate supplied height: 40–50 cm.
- Compact deciduous shrub.
- White spring flowers followed by glossy black berries.
- Outstanding red and orange autumn foliage.
- Best grown in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Good to Know: The 3 litre container and 40–50 cm height refer to the plant as supplied and not its mature size. The berries are edible when fully ripe but have a naturally astringent flavour and are more commonly used in juices, jams and preserves than eaten fresh.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 2.5m high· 2.5m wide
- Flowering
- Spring· White
- Foliage
- deciduous
Useful to know
Good for bordersPollinator friendly
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