Originally native to North America, the Aronia plant—also known as the chokeberry—is becoming a huge favorite for home gardens, whether it’s used as a privacy hedge or a standout specimen plant. Not only are the berries incredibly healthy, but the plant itself is pretty easygoing. In this post, we’re going to dive into just how tall these shrubs get and if there are any major differences between varieties.
How tall does an Aronia shrub get?
Generally speaking, you can expect a chokeberry bush to reach about 6 feet (2 meters) in height. This holds true whether you’re planting them in a row for a hedge or letting one shine on its own. If you’re looking for a bit more height, the “Nero” variety can actually stretch up to about 8 feet (2.5 meters).
What is the typical growth habit of Aronia?
These deciduous shrubs, known for their stunning blossoms, usually settle in between 3 and 6 feet tall. Most plants will hit that 6-foot mark after a few years. One of the best things about Aronia is that they naturally grow into a nice, bushy shape without becoming invasive. This means you rarely have to worry about pruning them just to keep them in check, which helps them reach their full height faster!
If you’re dreaming of a taller hedge or a larger focal point, definitely check out the Nero variety—it’s the overachiever of the family, reaching up to 8 feet.
Can you speed up or influence how high they grow?
You can’t exactly “force” an Aronia to grow taller than its genetics allow, but you can certainly give it the best possible start. Using the right soil and giving it a little fertilizer once a year goes a long way in keeping your plants happy. Also, make sure you give them enough elbow room when planting; when the roots have space to spread out, they can efficiently soak up the nutrients needed to produce those beautiful flowers and lush foliage.
Do individual plants grow taller than hedges?
Nope! An Aronia planted all by itself won’t grow any taller than those planted in a group or hedge. Regardless of the layout, you can expect most varieties to top out around that 6-foot mark.
How fast do they grow each year?
Aronia is a bit of a “slow and steady” grower, usually adding about 4 to 8 inches (10–20 cm) per year. If you buy a potted shrub that’s about 2 feet tall, it might take anywhere from 7 to 14 years to reach its full adult height, depending on your local conditions. Of course, if you start with a larger nursery plant, you’ll hit that max height much sooner. You can often find “half-standard” (tree-form) or bare-root plants that are already near their full size if you’re impatient!
Where is the best spot to plant Aronia?
To see your chokeberry really thrive, pick a spot with full sun. These plants are incredibly hardy and can handle frost and cold like champs, and while they can tolerate partial shade, they won’t be as happy in deep shade. Pro tip: The more sun the plant gets, the more natural sugars develop in the berries. That means a sunnier spot leads to a much better flavor come harvest time!
Quick Tip: Avoid heavy clay soils
For the most part, Aronia is a “set it and forget it” kind of plant—super robust and low-maintenance. However, they are a bit picky about their feet. They don’t like to dry out completely, so very heavy clay soils (which can bake hard) or super sandy soils (which drain too fast) aren’t ideal. Aim for a well-draining soil that holds just enough moisture to keep them hydrated.