How to prune chokeberry 'viking'

Late winter to early spring, while dormant. Remove dead or inward-crossing stems at the base each year. Every 3–4 years, cut the oldest one-third of stems to ground level to rejuvenate fruiting wood. Avoid shearing, which destroys the natural vase form and removes fruiting laterals.

Light cleanup annually; thinning every 3–4 years. Chokeberry 'Viking' is a compact, upright cultivar of Aronia melanocarpa that needs minimal pruning. It naturally maintains a tidy form and fruits heavily on established wood. Remove dead or damaged stems each late winter. Every few years, thin out the oldest, most congested stems at the base to admit light and stimulate a flush of productive new growth.

Remove dead or inward-crossing stems at the base each year. Every 3–4 years, cut the oldest one-third of stems to ground level to rejuvenate fruiting wood. Avoid shearing, which destroys the natural vase form and removes fruiting laterals.