Ground Hug® Aronia — Aronia melanocarpa 'UCONNAM012'

Ground Hug® Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa 'UCONNAM012') is a dwarf deciduous shrub with a dense, low-mounding habit. Tidy, glossy dark green leaves turn brilliant red in fall.

Clusters of dainty white flowers bloom in spring, followed by small dark purple berries in fall that can be used in jams and jellies. The species is native to eastern North America, including northern Georgia.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub
• Mature height: 1–1.5 feet
• Mature spread: 2.5–3 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 3 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best fruit production in full sun
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates boggy conditions
• Flowers: White clusters in spring
• Fruit: Dark purple berries in fall
• Fall foliage: Brilliant red
• Cultivar: 'UCONNAM012'

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub can spread by suckers. Remove suckers where colonial spread is unwanted.

Use as a specimen shrub, in grouped plantings, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, or woodland gardens. Pair with eastern redbud, dogwood, or beautyberry for seasonal contrast.

Image credit: Prides Corner, Aronia melanocarpa Ground Hug® ('UCONNAM012'). Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.