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AWARD WINNING

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photo of Dr. Mark Henry Brand

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Mark Henry Brand
University of CT, USA

AWARD WINNING

GROUND HUG®

Aronia

Aronia melanocarpa

'UCONNAM012'

PP#31,821; CBRAF

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Ground Hug aronia is a durable ground cover shrub ideal for difficult spots "} Ground Hug aronia is a durable ground cover shrub ideal for difficult spots Ground Hug aronia is a durable ground cover shrub ideal for difficult spots Ground Hug aronia is a durable ground cover shrub ideal for difficult spots Ground Hug aronia is a durable ground cover shrub ideal for difficult spots
  • Versatile habit
  • Native
  • Rugged
Description

The ideal landscape groundcover, filling in difficult spaces such as parking lot beds, slopes, or anywhere mowing would be difficult or undesirable. This dwarf aronia naturally grows as a thick, dense mat, eliminating the need for weeding and mulching as well. Glossy foliage, white spring flowers, dark purple berries in late summer, and autumn foliage in hues of brilliant orange-red make this native plant as showy as it is adaptable. Developed by Dr. Mark Brand at the University of Connecticut. 

Awards
2019 FarWest Show, Award of Merit
USDA Zone
3 - 9 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
8 - 14"
Width
3'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Adaptable to nearly all soils.

Pruning

Prune to shape after blooming if desired; note that this will prevent fruit from forming.

Uses

The unique low growing, mound-like habit of Ground Hog aronia suits it to many landscape applications: mass plantings, groundcover, edging.

Growing Tips

Aronia are notoriously tough plants and can be used to beautify equally challenging sites, like parking lots, easements, and urban areas. Aronia are generally considered deer resistant, but they may eat the flower buds in spring when other food sources are scarce. However, they are unlikely to cause any significant or disfiguring damage to the plant itself.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week March 14, 2019
  • Spec Sheet: Ground Hug™ Aronia Spec Sheet
  • Tag: Ground Hug™ Aronia Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Ground Hug™ Aronia Grower Sheet
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

    • Features: Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Compact, Drought tolerant, Edible, Fall interest, Heat tolerant, Native, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Aronia, Common name: Aronia, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Compact, Drought tolerant, Edible, Fall interest, Heat tolerant, Native, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Aronia, Common name: Aronia, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage