Aronia melanocarpa 'Galicjanka'

Aronia melanocarpa 'Galicjanka', also known as black chokeberry 'Galicjanka', is a Polish cultivar of the species Aronia melanocarpa from the rose family. This deciduous, perennial shrub is valued for its nutritious fruits, rich in antioxidants, and for its hardiness in extreme conditions. Native to North America, 'Galicjanka' was selected in Poland for its high yield and fruit quality, making it ideal for fruit gardens, orchards, or ornamental landscapes.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are ovate, 5-8 cm long, with serrated edges, glossy dark green in summer. In autumn, they turn vibrant shades of red-orange, offering a colorful display.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, white, with 5 petals, grouped in clusters, appearing in May-June. They are modest but attract pollinators such as bees.
• Fruits: The fruits are small, black-blue berries about 1 cm in diameter, grouped in heavy clusters. They have a tart, astringent taste but are rich in vitamins (especially C) and antioxidants, ideal for juices, jams, syrups, or teas. They ripen in September-October, with a high yield of up to 10-15 kg per shrub.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 1.5-2 meters in height and 1-1.5 meters in width, forming an upright, well-branched shrub with a rounded shape.
• Vigor: Moderate growth, with sturdy stems and dense development. It is vigorous and productive once established.
• Type: Deciduous, perennial shrub with shallow roots.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun for maximum fruiting but tolerates partial shade, where yield is lower.
• Soil: Grows in acidic to neutral soils (pH 4.5-6.5), fertile, well-drained, but tolerates wet or poor soils. Add compost to improve fertility.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first year, keeping the soil moist. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought.
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 3-8 (down to -35°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness: Extremely resistant to cold, drought, poor soils, and pollution. Tolerates wind and salt, making it ideal for urban areas. Rarely affected by diseases or pests.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring, once a year, if the soil is poor. Does not require frequent feeding.
• Pruning: Prune in spring, removing dead or crossing branches to maintain shape and stimulate growth. Tolerates heavy pruning for rejuvenation.
• Propagation: Propagated by stem cuttings or dividing clumps in spring.
• Warning: Thorny branches can cause scratches. Fruits are edible but astringent when raw.

Uses

Aronia melanocarpa 'Galicjanka' is ideal for fruit orchards, hedges, or ornamental gardens. The nutritious fruits are used in food, cosmetics, or medicine. It pairs well with other shrubs such as blackberries or currants. Attracts pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Aronia melanocarpa is native to North America. The 'Galicjanka' cultivar was developed in Poland for high yield and fruit quality.

Self-fertile variety. Does not require special soil. Requires no maintenance - pruning is only for aesthetic purposes. Very resistant to diseases and pests.

Survives in the garden even at extreme temperatures down to -37°C.

Pot diameter: 9 cm

Note: In the cold season, garden plants are sold shortened and without leaves.