Black Chokeberry 'Eastland'

This shrub is seen all over Albuquerque. It is popular because of the beautiful color foliage in spring, the clusters of light yellow fl...Read Moreowers, and because it does well without a lot of trouble. It can be grown as a hedge, as single shrubs, or if pruned, as a small tree. Early in the spring, the new growth comes out a beautiful red, and from a distance almost seems to be blooming. Late in the spring, it gets clusters of flowers, and attracts so many honey bees that it almost seems to be buzzing by itself. As it gets hotter in the summer, the foliage is shiny green. Then in the fall, the leaves turn deep red just before they fall. All the leaves do not fall, and it stays dormant over the winter. The winter in Albuquerque is very mild, but on those odd occasions when it has been very, very cold for a spell, they can suffer some loss. However, even so, they come back nicely in the spring. They prefer well drained soil and although they do not need much water, they do need regular water to look their best. I have 5 of them myself, and have not lost any to bugs or disease. I would have to say, they are very easy to grow, and very rewarding as well.