Aronia prunifolia Viking is an upright, multi-stemmed deciduous fruit shrub developed for orchard use. Dark green leaves surround profuse clusters of pink-tinged white spring flowers, followed by large purplish-black edible pomes.
Grow it in full sun for the strongest fruit crop or in partial shade in moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sand. It tolerates wet garden sites and can form a suckering hedge, so remove unwanted shoots where a restrained outline is preferred.
The sweet, sour, astringent fruit ripens in late summer and can be processed into juice, pies, or jellies. Red-purple autumn foliage and persistent wildlife value extend the season after harvest.
