Growing
Thriving in moist, shady environments, these woody shrubs are most successful when you provide consistent moisture to the root zone. If your area experiences a summer drought, you must water your plants regularly to ensure the roots stay fairly moist, as they can struggle in dry conditions. For those starting with young nursery stock, a peat and sand mixture in a one-to-one ratio works well for establishing the roots.
To maintain a productive and healthy shrub, you can use traditional management techniques like pruning. After you finish picking your berries, prune the branches to encourage new growth and stimulate fruit production for the following growing season. In some landscapes, occasional burning is even used to stimulate fresh, vigorous growth.
When the berries are ready, they are often so abundant that they can weigh down the branches of the shrub. While the fruit is highly valued for its sweetness, you can also dry the berries to preserve them for use during the colder months.
Plant Witch