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Public Plant Profile

Ground Hug® Black Chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa 'UCONNAM012' (Ground Hug®)

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Chokeberry

Ground Hug® Black Chokeberry is a versatile ground cover with attractive berries and fall color.

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Mature Height: 2-3 feet

Mature Width: 2-3 feet

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: Spring

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-8

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Ground Hug® Black Chokeberry is a low-growing, spreading shrub known for its attractive foliage and black berries. It is ideal for ground cover and provides seasonal interest with its white flowers in spring and vibrant fall color.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Soil Preferences

Adaptable to various soil types, tolerates wet conditions, prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Watering Needs

Requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells.

Pruning Notes

Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead wood.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth.

Common Issues

May face issues with leaf spot and occasional pest infestations.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

ground covermass planting

Special Features

Attractive berriesfall colorwildlife-friendly

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides berries for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for erosion control and naturalizing areas. Can be used in rain gardens.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Ground Hug® Black Chokeberry may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ground Hug® Black Chokeberry a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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