Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'
Common name: 
Brilliant Red Chokeberry
Pronunciation: 
a-RO-nee-a ar-bu-ti-FO-li-ah
Family: 
Rosaceae
Genus: 
Aronia
Synonyms: 
'Brilliant'
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous shrub, similar to the species, grows to about 6-8 ft (~2-2.5 m) tall.   Leaves similar to the species type but more lustrous and darker green, and turn brilliant scarlet in fall.   Flowers also similar to species, i.e., white or pink, about 1 cm wide, but the resulting fruit is more abundant, larger, and a glossier bright red. It has excellent scarlet fall color. The most popular selection.
  • Sun to part shade, very adaptable as to soil, moist to well-drained.  Excellent for mass plantings or boarders.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone (4)5    Michael Dirr (2009) sites Coombs as noting that this cultivar was originally named 'Brilliant' and has been raised from seed, thus resulting in several different forms.
  • Salem, Oregon: Bush Pasture Park, SW corner Art Barn Annex   
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  • spring, flower buds and expanding leaf

    spring, flower buds and expanding leaf

  • plant habit, spring flowering

    plant habit, spring flowering

  • flowering branch

    flowering branch

  • flowers and leaves

    flowers and leaves

  • flowers

    flowers

  • after petal drop

    after petal drop

  • early fruit formation

    early fruit formation

  • plant habit, summer

    plant habit, summer

  • plant habit, tree form

    plant habit, tree form

  • leafy shoot

    leafy shoot

  • leaves

    leaves

  • plant habit and ripening fruit, fall

    plant habit and ripening fruit, fall

  • plant habit, fall

    plant habit, fall

  • leaves, late fall

    leaves, late fall

  • mature fruit

    mature fruit

  • winter twig, buds and fruit

    winter twig, buds and fruit