Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'

Red chokeberry

A vigorous, native deciduous shrub prized for its spectacular fall foliage, abundant glossy red fruit, and reliable landscape performance. ‘Brilliantissima’ is often selected for strong autumn color and fruit display that persists into winter, making it a standout in shrub borders, mass plantings, and wildlife gardens.

Key features



Width: 6–10 ft



Height: 6–10 ft



Flower color: White (in spring)



Bloom time: Spring



Fruit: Abundant, glossy red berries in late summer into fall



Fall color: Brilliant red to purple



Foliage: Green turning vibrant fall shades



Form: Upright, rounded shrub



Life cycle: Deciduous shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Full sun to part shade



Soil: Moist, well-drained; adaptable to wet soils



Water: Moderate; tolerant of occasional wet conditions



Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8



Landscape use



Specimen or hedge plantings



Shrub borders and mixed foundation beds



Naturalized landscapes and native gardens



Wildlife and pollinator gardens (berries attract birds)



Notes



Native to eastern North America



Fruit is food for birds and can be used for jams/jellies (tart)



Typically deer resistant once established



Adaptable to a wide range of soil types



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Plant type

Flowering Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

3'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Fruit color

Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Loamy well-drained, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Clump, Multi Stem

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No