How To Grow Chokeberry (Aronia) in Pots and Containers: The Ultimate Guide

Chokeberry (Aronia) is a very resilient plant, growing on different terrains, tolerating different soil types, temperatures, moisture, hardiness zones, etc.

Growing chokeberry (Aronia) in containers and pots has many benefits for backyard gardeners, but also for people who want to grow chokeberry (Aronia) on balconies, terraces, etc.

Published: January 24, 2023.

Can You Grow Chokeberry (Aronia) In Pots And Containers?

Chokeberry (Aronia) has a relatively shallow and compact root system that adapts well to growing conditions, even when growing chokeberry (Aronia) in smallish pots and containers.

When picking a pot (round) or container (squarish) for chokeberry (Aronia), it is a good practice to get a wider one.

Depending on the chokeberry (Aronia) variety and size, one needs an 8-9 gallons (30-35 liters) pot/container for smaller varieties like Low Scape Mound Aronia (2 feet wide, 2 feet tall, very decorative), although even such compact plants prefer larger 20 gallons (~80 liters) pots and containers.

For example, a round pot, 20-inch (~51 cm) in diameter, 20-inches (~51 cm) tall, when filled 2 inches (5 cm) from the top, contains ~24 gallons (~90 liters) and is more than large enough for growing compact chokeberry (Aronia) varieties.

For larger plants, go for 24-28" wide and 20-22" deep pots and containers.

Note: when planted in long containers, keep the plants spaced 2-5 feet, depending on the plants' sizes.

Chokeberry (Aronia) Growing Conditions

Chokeberry (Aronia) is a hardy plant that grows well in zones 3 to 8.

Also, chokeberry (Aronia) tolerates various types of dry and wet soils, but it prefers slightly acidic 6.0-6.5 pH soil.

Good drainage is not a must-have, but before filling the pot/container with soil, make a few drain holes.

Placing a layer of gravel can also help with drainage, but it is not an absolute requirement.

Fill the pot with good potting soil and add some organic compost/worm castings and mix everything - chokeberry (Aronia) is not a heavy feeder, and it grows well in nutrients moderately rich soil.

After filling the pot, transplant a chokeberry (Aronia) plant in the pots and water generously.

It is recommended to obtain chokeberries from garden centers, nurseries, or online shops in the form of 1 or 2-year plants that will bear fruits in a year or two (generally, chokeberries bear first fruits in the third season).

The pots should be placed in sunny or partly-sunny positions.

Note: some gardeners first plant chokeberries in smaller pots and then replant them in new, larger ones at the age of 3-4 years. Even if You planted your chokeberries in larger pots right away, it is a good practice to replace the soil every 4-5 years.

Taking Care Of Chokeberries (Aronia) Grown In The Pot

Chokeberries are very simple plants to take care of, even when grown in pots and containers.

Watering

Chokeberries tolerate drought well, but from time to time, water the plants, depending on the local conditions (sun, wind, temperature, etc.).

Generally, when watering other plants, water the chokeberries as well.

Fertilization

Every April and perhaps June/July, place a thin layer of organic compost and/or worm castings and till it a little bit into the soil.

Note: chokeberries planted in the garden it is enough to fertilize them once a year. However, plants in pots have a smaller soil volume to grow and should be fertilized twice per year.

Mulching

Adding a layer of organic mulch can help with moisture loss and helps fight the weeds. Also, as the mulch decomposes, it refeeds the soil and keeps the soil slightly acidic.

Pruning

Remove anything dead or ill. Also, prune the branches to shape the plants the way You want.

When pruning, remember that chokeberries grow flowers on old wood - don't remove branches with flower buds.

Pests and Diseases

Chokeberries are generally trouble-free bushes, except that some birds like to eat ripe berries, while deers and rabbits like to browse the leaves.

Few Final Words

Very tolerant, hardy, decorative, resilient, etc., are all reasons why any gardener should try to grow chokeberries (Aronia) in the garden.

Growing them in pots and containers is easily possible and allows the gardener to control the chokeberry's growth easily - if let out of control, it can easily spread all over the garden, although it takes years for something like that.

Although their fruits are not the sweetest around, on the contrary, there are children and people who really like them raw - and just 20-25 chokeberries contain recommended daily antioxidants dose ...

But they taste great in pies, jams, cakes and similar :)