Aronia (Viking)
Superfruit
$21.99
Out of stock
Viking aronia (chokeberry) is a highly productive, extremely cold-hardy shrub prized for its large clusters of deep purple-black berries rich in antioxidants. The fruit has a bold, tart flavor that is excellent for juices, jams, syrups, and wine, and is valued for its impressive health benefits.
In addition to its nutritious berries, Viking offers beautiful white spring flowers and brilliant red fall foliage, making it both an ornamental landscape shrub and a powerful “superfruit” for the home garden.
Key Characteristics
Berries: Large, deep purple-black berries high in antioxidants (anthocyanins). Viking is known for producing larger fruit and heavy yields compared to standard aronia varieties.
Flavor: Tart and pleasantly astringent when fresh with complex flavor; best enjoyed cooked, sweetened, juiced, or dried.
Foliage: Glossy green leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in fall, providing outstanding seasonal color.
Flowers: Clusters of white flowers in spring attract pollinators and add ornamental beauty.
Plant Size: Typically grows 3–6 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, multi-stemmed shrub ideal for hedges or screens.
Harvest: Late summer to early fall.
Hardiness: Extremely cold hardy (to about -40°F) and adaptable to a wide range of soils, including moist conditions.
Pollination: Self-fertile, though planting multiple shrubs can improve yields.
Uses & Benefits
Culinary: Excellent for juices (often blended with sweeter juices like apple), jams, jellies, syrups, wine, and baking.
Health: Rich in vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, E, A, potassium, and iron, with high antioxidant content that supports overall wellness.
Ornamental: Beautiful spring flowers, glossy foliage, heavy berry clusters, and striking fall color make it an excellent choice for edible landscaping, hedges, and borders.
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and berries provide food for birds and beneficial wildlife.
Low Maintenance: Easy to grow, adaptable, and requires minimal care once established.