Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' (Red Chokeberry)

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' is a cultivar of chokeberry, a multi-stemmed, understory shrub native to the American east and southeast. The 'Brilliantissima' cultivar is more compact than the straight species, and produces larger, glossier berries and foliage with brighter fall color

In spring, Aronia arbutifolia produces small white to light pink flower clusters, which appear along the branches. Flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Successfully pollinated flowers are followed by abundant clusters of red berries that persist throughout the fall and winter seasons providing birds and wildlife with late season forage, and setting a striking impression in the cooler months alongside bright red fall foliage. Berries are edible and may have some health benefits, but may be too sour and astringent to eat on their own, but work excellent as jellies or liqueurs.

 'Brilliantissima' grows to six to eight feet tall, and about half as wide, and grows best in average, medium-moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Although it may grow best under those conditions, 'Brilliantissima' is a very hardy cultivar, and has a wide range of tolerances, including resistance to acidic and waterlogged soils, and tolerance of part shade conditions. More sunlight produces more flowers and a deeper red fall color, but this Aronia cultivar will also be the perfect addition to any naturalized woody area.