According to Michigan Bulb company who sells the aronia plant, they are hardy in planting zones 3 – 8, and should be planted in full son to partial shade. The following additional information about aronia plants was taken from a website of Blueberry Croft Farm and Nursery. Aronia plants are easy to grow and they will grow in many different garden soils. Your best buy is usually two-year old plants. You should start getting some berries the following year. This will provide you with a berry crop very soon. The aronia plant varieties for fruit production are Viking and Nero Aronia bushes are well suited to a wide range of soil types. The optimum pH level to grow aronia is slightly acidic (6-6.5), but aronia will tolerate a wider pH range (5-8.5). You can supply a soil sample to your county agent for analysis. The report will tell you would if anything is needed to amend your soil.
Aronia plants are not drought tolerant but they can usually withstand dry summer soils once established. They need watering for maximum fruit production. Once the plants are established water them as needed usually once or twice per week when dry. Increasing the amount of organic matter is probably one of the most important things you can do to improve your soil. Decomposed compost in the soil is a necessity for successful aronia planting. Add your own compost, leaves, grass clippings, or manure to the soil and mix it in well. A soil mix should contain about 2% to 5% organic matter. Sandy soil should contain closer to 2% or 3% and clay soil needs 4% to 5%. Spreading a layer of about 4 inches of organic mulch around plants helps retain moisture and saves water, time and money.
Mulching is one of the most important ways to maintain healthy plants. Mulching reduces the amount of evaporation from the soil surface and reduces irrigation needs by about 50 percent. Using about 4 inches of organic mulch can save up to 750 gallons of water each month. Mulch helps keep plants cool, reduces evaporation, provides nourishment and helps control weeds.