Plant Care
Light: Thrives in full to part sun. It needs at least four hours of direct sun to set flowers, which then turn into fruit.
Soil: Prefers moist soil that drains easily. Any period of extended sogginess will not be tolerated. It can also thrive in clay, alkaline soils.
Water: Average water needs.
Fertilizing: Not necessary, but if desired apply a granular fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs in the late winter/early spring.
Pruning: It’s best to avoid pruning altogether. Any pruning will affect either flowering or berry setting, because it blooms on old wood and its berries develop from the summer flowers. Selective pruning to remove rubbing branches can be done in the late wintertime. Dead or damaged wood can be removed at any time of the year, just be sure to cut back to a set of leaves.
Other: As a native plant, it benefits wildlife and pollinators. Don’t be surprised to see caterpillars and moth larvae munching on the leaves; this is normal, natural, and exciting!