Ground Hug™ Chokeberry Shrub

Ground Hug® is a low, spreading selection of black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa ‘UCONNAM012’. Its dense branching forms a broad mat roughly 8–14 inches tall and 2–3 feet wide, with white spring flowers, dark berries, and red-orange fall foliage. Proven Winners recommends it for USDA zones 3–9. ## Garden role and seasons This compact shrub works as a groundcover or edging plant on slopes and in difficult landscape areas. The spring flowers support pollinators, and the dark fruit can provide food for birds. Its low, spreading habit differs from taller upright black chokeberries and helps cover soil, though the eventual width needs room. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or part shade. The plant tolerates varied soils and both dry and wet conditions, but establishment watering is important and persistent waterlogging should be avoided unless drainage is suitable. It is a deciduous shrub; foliage is green through the growing season before turning red-orange in fall. Hardiness sources place it in zones 3–9. ### Sources [Proven Winners Direct growing profile](https://provenwinnersdirect.com/products/ground-hug-aronia) · [CFIA cultivar description](https://active.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/cropreport/bchok/app00011508e.shtml) · [Great Garden Plants profile](https://www.greatgardenplants.com/en-ca/products/ground-hug-aronia) ## Maintenance Routine pruning is usually unnecessary. If shaping is needed, prune after flowering because blooms form on old wood. Remove suckers if a narrower planting footprint is desired.