Red Chokeberry Shrub, Aronia arbutifolia Brilliantissima, Seeds Hardy, Adaptable, Easy to Grow, Showy Flowers, Excellent Fall Color, Winter Interest, Showy Edible Fruits, Attracts Birds, Wildlife Food/Shelter, Hedge/Windbreak, Cold, Heat, Drought, Salt and Wind Tolerant This Red Chokeberry cultivar is a deciduous shrub which typically grows slowly to 6 to 10 feet tall and is perhaps most noted for its attractive glossy red berries and red fall foliage color. Leaves are obovate to elliptic, glossy, dark green to 3 inches long with grayish-green beneath. Foliage turns bright red in autumn and compares favorably with Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) for excellence of fall color. Flowers are white to pinkish, clusters (corymbs) of 5-petaled and 1/3 inch, appearing in spring. Flowers are followed by abundant 3/8 inch glossy red fruits, which appear in dense clusters along the branches. Fruits ripen in late summer and persist throughout fall and well into winter. The common name is in reference to the tart and bitter berries which are edible but so astringent as to cause choking in those who try. Juice from the berries is astringent and not sweet, but high in vitamin C and antioxidants. The berries can be used to make wine, jam, syrup, juice, soft spreads and tea. The Red Chokeberry has a sweeter flavor than the black species. ‘Brilliantissima’ primarily differs from the species by (1) being more compact, (2) producing more lustrous foliage with superior red fall color and (3) producing larger, glossier and more abundant fruit. Other Names: Red Chokeberry, Red Chokeberry Brilliantissima Zone: 4 to 9 Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub Family: Rosaceae Native Range: Eastern United States and Southern Canada. Height: 6 to 10 feet Spread: 3 to 5 feet Shape: Spreading, colonizing upright shrub with numerous, slender stems Bloom Time: April Bloom Color: White Flower/Fruit: Many clusters of small, white flowers followed by 3/8 inch glossy red fruits. Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade Fall Color: Intense, shiny, raspberry to crimson, with purplish highlights. Can also have some orange mixed in, especially in shady sites. Drought Tolerance: Moderate Water: Medium Maintenance: Low Site Requirements/ Soil Tolerances: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Wide range of soil tolerance including boggy soils. Best fruit production usually occurs in full sun. Culture: Remove root suckers to prevent colonial spread. Uses: Group or mass in shrub borders or woodland areas. Ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing on the margins of ponds or streams. Also effective in naturalized areas where its spreading, colonial growth habit does not need to be restrained. Sowing Aronia arbutifolia Brilliantissima Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours Stratify: Cold 90-120 days, 40 Degrees F in a Moist Medium. Germination: Sow 1/16” DeepFor more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf: https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2007/08/fcpg018.pdf Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process. Shipping and Discounts: All items are set up to automatically discount as follows: Any promotional offers are discounted by using the “Add to Cart “only.To qualify for any discounts, items must be paid together, on the same eBay invoice.If paid separately, no discounts will be applied though seller reserves the right to ship together.If there are any questions or concerns about the amount due, please message me before paying so I can address all of your concerns before there is a problem. Buyer assumes responsibility once payment has been made. International Buyer’s: It is the buyer’s responsibility to know their countries customs laws. 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