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 red berries and more brilliantly striking fall foliage. In spring, Aronia arbutifolia produces small white to light pink flower clusters, which appear along the branches in small clusters; flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and other pollinators. In the summer, 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 work excellently as jellies and liqueurs, and they may also have some antioxidant health benefits, but the berries are typically too sour and astringent to eat raw.

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' grows to 6-8' tall with a spread about half as wide, and shrubs grow best in average, medium-moist, well-drained soils, especially when provided with full sun (though chokeberry will also tolerate partial shade). Although it may prefer these conditions, 'Brilliantissima' is a very hardy cultivar, and has a wide range of tolerances, including resistance to acidic soils , salt spray, and seasonally waterlogged sites. More sunlight produces more flowers and a deeper red fall color, perfect for pollinator gardens and low-lying meadows, but this Aronia cultivar will also be the perfect addition to any naturalized woodland area or forest garden.