PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; produces maximum berries in full sun conditions
Watering
Water deeply, allowing the top 5–10 cm of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates summer heat with consistent soil moisture
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple, elliptical to obovate leaves with serrated margins; glossy dark green, turning red-purple in fall
- Flower: Clusters of 10–20 small white or pale pink five-petaled flowers
- Fruit: Round, glossy black pomes ripening in late summer to fall
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during fruiting season; reduce watering if rainfall is sufficient
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at bud break. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over fruiting
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder and sprinkle around the base of the shrub in early spring; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent rotPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin overcrowded inner stems to improve airflow and light penetration
- Trim to maintain desired rounded shape after fruiting in late fall
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No reported toxicity to humans; berries are edible when ripe
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental landscape shrub; edible berries for jams, jellies, or fresh consumption; wildlife foraging source
